I remember being that little girl, wondering why friends were nice one day and hateful the next. I remember my mom saying one day you'll see this will mean nothing, these people, this school, the drama. She said one day you'll understand.
It took me years of failed and fake friendships to learn what it meant to surround yourself with the right people. Friendships seemed so plentiful prior to becoming an adult but I eventually found out what real friendship looked like. It didn't mean being friends with everyone or fitting in with certain people anymore. Friendship was about supporting others wildly and receiving the same energy back.
In my life I've had many friends come and go, some only staying for a chapter or two.
But a few select friends remain, Katie and Mandi. These two saved my life, supported me even when they didn't agree, and picked up the broken pieces someone else left behind. And after years, babies, breakups, moving hours away we still remain close, spend weekends together with all the kids, and FaceTime every chance we get.
Friendships doesn't haven't to always look the same for everyone and chapters in friendships will eb and flow.
Thanks for reading, Ashley and sharing your experience. You're far from alone in discovering your people over the years and those two friends sound like pure gold.
Loving this entire newsletter! Bought that linen jumpsuit for an easy summer wardrobe option.
Can’t wait to listen to the podcast recs.
I am feeling like my friendships are on the far back burner right now and this gives me hope that I will be able to dust off the shelves of some long lasting friendships to make them feel like new again. It’s never too late.
Katie - that was a balm to my heart. I have felt so lost recently. All my friends have either moved away or have ghosted me this last year and I’m left here wondering WHY? I want to give up because maybe me and friendships just don’t mix. Will I ever have the Monica to my Jennifer, or the Lucy to my Ethel? I don’t know. But maybe I shouldn’t stop looking, just yet.
What a timely, encouraging read. I have been doing a loooot of work trying to understand what I bring to my friendship dynamics these days and it's good to be reminded that fighting for these important relationships is not easy, but WORTH IT. Thank you, Katie.
Beautiful and painful…today would be the wedding anniversary for friends who got divorced several months ago, and the loss of her friendship has hit hard. It’s life, but your bits of advice to your daughter are good advice for me today too.
I remember being that little girl, wondering why friends were nice one day and hateful the next. I remember my mom saying one day you'll see this will mean nothing, these people, this school, the drama. She said one day you'll understand.
It took me years of failed and fake friendships to learn what it meant to surround yourself with the right people. Friendships seemed so plentiful prior to becoming an adult but I eventually found out what real friendship looked like. It didn't mean being friends with everyone or fitting in with certain people anymore. Friendship was about supporting others wildly and receiving the same energy back.
In my life I've had many friends come and go, some only staying for a chapter or two.
But a few select friends remain, Katie and Mandi. These two saved my life, supported me even when they didn't agree, and picked up the broken pieces someone else left behind. And after years, babies, breakups, moving hours away we still remain close, spend weekends together with all the kids, and FaceTime every chance we get.
Friendships doesn't haven't to always look the same for everyone and chapters in friendships will eb and flow.
But it's totally worth the fight 🖤
Thank you for sharing this post today!
Thanks for reading, Ashley and sharing your experience. You're far from alone in discovering your people over the years and those two friends sound like pure gold.
Loving this entire newsletter! Bought that linen jumpsuit for an easy summer wardrobe option.
Can’t wait to listen to the podcast recs.
I am feeling like my friendships are on the far back burner right now and this gives me hope that I will be able to dust off the shelves of some long lasting friendships to make them feel like new again. It’s never too late.
So true, Cara. It's never too late.
Katie - that was a balm to my heart. I have felt so lost recently. All my friends have either moved away or have ghosted me this last year and I’m left here wondering WHY? I want to give up because maybe me and friendships just don’t mix. Will I ever have the Monica to my Jennifer, or the Lucy to my Ethel? I don’t know. But maybe I shouldn’t stop looking, just yet.
Thanks for your honesty, Christy! And I say never stop looking, because God never is done working. Hugs to you!
What a timely, encouraging read. I have been doing a loooot of work trying to understand what I bring to my friendship dynamics these days and it's good to be reminded that fighting for these important relationships is not easy, but WORTH IT. Thank you, Katie.
Thanks for reading, Krista!
Beautiful and painful…today would be the wedding anniversary for friends who got divorced several months ago, and the loss of her friendship has hit hard. It’s life, but your bits of advice to your daughter are good advice for me today too.
That is painful, Amy. Thanks for reading and we're so glad these words met you.
Loved this so much, Katie! 💗
“But if they still believe that at thirty, it’s likely that something—or many things—didn’t go well in the early years of friendship.”
I mean, wow, it’s as if you actually know me. Both comforting and painful.
Hugs to you, Lindsay. Our friendship stories are not over no matter where we are today!