“I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus does anyone?” is a famous quote from the movie “Stand By Me.” Although this movie came out in 1986, the theme of friendship is still relevant today in 2025.
Friendship is an important thing to have in life. Having friends in classes makes school more enjoyable, and they can help you out with any schoolwork you have. Outside of school, good friends will support you and push you to be your best. They help you feel like you belong.
However, if these friendships are ending for unnecessary reasons, you’re going to end up lonely. A large majority of friendships will end due to miscommunication. If you and your friend are disagreeing, you shouldn’t avoid them. If you truly value that friendship, it should be one another vs. the problem, not you vs. your friend.
In big friend groups, “drama” is a big problem. “Drama” should be expected from time to time: it’s inevitable. However, lots of “drama” is most likely occurring because of an imbalance of power in a friend group. “Leaders” of friend groups can be common, especially when a friend group is formed from mutual friends.
Leaving other people out, on purpose or accident, and miscommunication are all big issues in friend groups. 52 percent of all teens have experienced drama among their friends on social media. 26 percent of all teens have had a conflict with a friend over something that had happened over text or online. These numbers could easily decrease by being more open-minded about others’ feelings and not being afraid to share how you feel.
An additional reason why friendships are more likely to not last from high school is because teens are less likely to want to make new friends. When you are in elementary school or pre-k, there is no set “friend group” or “social status” yet. You get along with everyone in your class, and you’re friendly. There’s less “drama” and more fun. But teens are older: this friendly and welcoming feeling in school has disappeared.
Don’t be afraid to make new friends, or expand your friend group. And be more like children in some aspects of your friendships.
