Is there anyone who understands you quite like your childhood friends? I would say that’s a resounding no. If you’ve held onto friendships from your early years, you undoubtedly share a deep connection that few others can comprehend—not even your parents or your partner.
Growing up together, confiding secrets, navigating awkward phases, and experiencing both heartbreak and triumph creates a profound awareness of one another. These shared moments form the foundation of a bond that allows you to continue supporting each other, even as life leads you down different paths.
I am fortunate to have a small circle of childhood friends with whom I remain close. We share an abundance of inside jokes, understand each other’s family dynamics, and know exactly when it’s time to gather for a weekend filled with laughter—be it over wine and appetizers or something a bit more wild.
One of these friends, my dearest companion, is getting married this fall. She’s found a wonderful partner who has an amazing son, marking a beautiful chapter in their lives. Because of our history, I feel an overwhelming joy for her. Sometimes, I find myself tearing up, recalling how she’s patiently awaited “the one” and has worked so hard to reach this moment, all while driving to the donut shop on a Sunday morning.
My connection with her goes back to our days playing handball during recess in elementary school. I remember us sneaking out in my unreliable old car to the beach just to enjoy a day out. We’ve been through the challenges of college life, where she even helped me master the art of doing laundry. Together, we navigated heartbreaks, wondering if we’d ever find true happiness again.
We’ve faced various challenges together and separately, but we’ve always been there for one another through thick and thin. True friendship means consistently showing up for each other, with mutual respect and understanding that your souls are intertwined.
Friendship with childhood friends leaves no room for pretense. They know my flaws, my background, and even the expressions I wear when things are about to go south. I can’t simply brush them off or say, “I’m fine,” when they ask what’s wrong—they see through it. While it can be annoying in the moment, it’s incredibly reassuring to know someone cares enough to seek your truth and won’t be pushed away by your fear of being vulnerable.
These friendships come with unwavering loyalty. Don’t even think about crossing my friends, or you will quickly regret it. I can tell them if their new partner gives me bad vibes or if their child is acting up, all while maintaining an honest relationship grounded in love and support. But if you’re a stranger? You better treat my friends well, or I might just curse you with roaches or pubic lice—who knows?
What’s more, no matter how much time passes between us, reconnecting feels like no time has elapsed. There are no awkward silences; it’s as if we dive right back into our friendship. We can’t wait to catch up, share stories, and laugh until we cry, because no one knows how to make you laugh like your childhood friends do.
Of course, I’ve made other friends along the way who didn’t share those tetherball games with me, and I value them immensely. I cherish and support them, but they don’t quite understand me in the same way my childhood friends do. And that’s perfectly fine; I don’t need everyone to remember my obsession with boy bands that led me to stand outside in the cold for NSYNC tickets more than once.
But my childhood friends? They will always hold a unique place in my heart—and they’ll never let me live down my most embarrassing moments.
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Summary: Childhood friendships are irreplaceable connections that offer profound understanding, loyalty, and acceptance. These bonds, formed through shared experiences, create a unique support system that endures despite life’s changes.