You and your childhood BFF were two peas in a pod. You read the same books, watched the same TV shows, and even crushed on the same guys. You were sure she’d be around for all of the major (and minor) events in your life. Then you went to different colleges, you moved across the country, you grew apart. It happens. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get back in touch or to become close again, no matter how long it’s been. Here’s why it’s worth it to try:
- You still know her old home phone number by heart. You can hardly even remember your own phone number anymore, let alone anyone else’s. But you’ll never forget hers. And her street address. Say it out loud to yourself. I bet it brings a smile to your face.
- They’re an important link to your past. As much as you’d like to forget about those years you spent writing yourself and your friends into anime fanfiction, they were a part of your past that got you to where you are today. Sure, you’re not into Gundam Wing anymore, but maybe you’re still a great creative writer. You’re not in the debate club anymore, but you can still speak comfortably in front of a crowd. Your childhood friends saw you develop the traits that make you the person you are today, and they can help you understand the origins of your personality and your strengths.
- She was on your team even when you had glasses, acne, and no boobs. It took you years of trying out the free samples at Sephora to finally get your beauty routine down. She never cared and was always there to tell you that you looked great no matter what.
- You were always rooting for her, and you want to share in her successes. It’s such a great feeling when you genuinely want to see someone succeed. Tell her how happy you are for her, and brag to each other about your recent accomplishments. There are so few people you can do that with.
- She knows you like nobody else ever will. She was there for that fight with your mom when you forgot to take out the recycle for the 595435th time. She was there when your first kiss was awful and you were sure you were doing it wrong. These days, people hardly ever share disappointments, only successes. Back then, you’d never hide anything. She knows the good, the bad, and the ugly, and she stood by your side through it all.
- You owe a lot to her. Close friendships are an important precursor to close romantic relationships. She was your closest confidante, and she taught you to be secure and comfortable with yourself.
- Conversations with her are like a giant ongoing #TBT. Once you reconnect, you’ll find yourself sharing random memories in e-mail snippets all throughout the week. Remember that weird student teacher who wrote “secs” instead of “seconds” and couldn’t figure out why you and your middle school classmates kept giggling? Revel in the memories.
- The older you get, the harder it is to get real with someone. Maybe it’s being busy, maybe it’s work stress, or maybe we just get more closed off as we age. It’s hard to make a strong connection with someone once you’re a full-fledged adult, and that makes the people who grew up with you even more valuable.
Go ahead, share this with your childhood BFF. I bet hearing from you will make her day.
