Ups and Downs of Friendship

This is the fifth post in a series by former FLVS student Makaila, a model, author, and anti-bullying advocate.

It’s finally November, a time to be grateful for everything that we have. I am grateful for so much in my life: my family, pets, opportunities, and friends.

However, in this particular case, I am so grateful for my friends.

I haven’t always had the best of luck when it comes to lasting friendships. When we are young, we want to believe that every relationship we form will last forever, and clearly, that just isn’t the case. At first it hurts, realizing that someone will not always be there for you. Unfortunately, that is what happens when it comes to life. But I have learned that people come into your life with a purpose; once fulfilled, they have done their part in making you, you.

This isn’t to say that you will not find your forever friends – rest assured you will have a few.

Over the past year, and even years prior, I have found some of those diamonds in the rough who have stuck with me through my best and worst times. A true friend is there when no one else is, and what is even greater is that he or she wants to be there. A true friend has your best interest and wants you to succeed.

Friendship is a beautiful thing, something we often take for granted.

Maybe it’s a phone call, maybe it’s getting lunch and then playing catch in the park. Really, it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you are with people who genuinely care about your overall existence. We don’t take time to appreciate the little things, and we should, especially with friends.

If you’re having trouble figuring out who is a true friend, ask yourself, can you rely on him or her no matter the circumstance? That seems like a daunting question. How would you know? Well, sometimes we don’t. There will be times when friendships end for no reason, or a giant reason. Sometimes it is drastic and others a long time coming. Or you may simply drift apart. Regardless, be kind anyway because at one point in your life they were there for a reason.

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for what you have.

Your friends are your friends for a reason and the good ones will always have your back. They will make you laugh, and you can always count on them. Don’t worry about tomorrow, but always know your friends will be there. At the end of the day, you may only have a few “best friends.” I know I only have a few best friends, but at the end of the day that’s all we can really ask for.

Hug your friends and tell them that you are grateful for them. More importantly, always remember to be yourself so you can find your forever friends, because they’re out there.

Stay you!

-Mak

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Mak Nichols is a model, author, actress, and student advocate on a mission to inspire and support her peers through philanthropic initiatives including the Great American No Bull Challenge and the release of her first book, Blatantly Honest: Normal Teen, Abnormal Life, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indie Bound. After taking FLVS courses in high school, she is now studying business, entrepreneurship, and writing at the University of Central Florida. Learn more at makailanichols.com.