Everyone is learning how to prioritize their little world and sometimes friendships can be put on the backburner. Now let me tell you about one of my most prized possessions:
“Low maintenance friends”
You know those kinds of low maintenance plants that don’t need frequent watering or sun to continue growing strong? Now apply that same concept to a friendship.
These are the friends you can call up after weeks of not speaking and it’s like there wasn’t a gap in your communication. People who hardly see you, but comment on your social media occasionally to keep updated with your life. We should really shine a light on those who stick it out. I know many can relate that our lives get chaotic at times and having peers who understand this is very critical. Sometimes you don’t contact others as much, not purposefully, but there is only so much you can handle at once. School is definitely work in addition to the other activities you’re participating in; this all takes a lot of time management to even maintain your self-care. Being a college student, there are so many areas that will need your attention and it’s a balancing act that you constantly have to work at.
However, there is nothing wrong with being that person who needs to communicate more frequently than the “low maintenance friend.” There are many forms of friendships you’ll have that will make up your vital support system. Whether they are the people you check in with daily, or they’re the friends you’ll see only when you come home for holiday breaks. The friendships can all be of equal significance. Some will be there for you physically, others will be there for your emotional and mental needs. As you’re developing into your future self, the only importance is to surround yourself with positive people that will uplift you, because sadly life is difficult at times.
All I want is to challenge you to try to work at being a “low maintenance friend” for those that are far away or whom you don’t speak to very much. Even for your college buddies that live on campus or nearby.
Regardless, it’s a good feeling to have these type of friends in your corner. Just as it is valuable for others to have buddies who reciprocate that same energy too.