By Layla Tiell, Staff Writer

We don’t always lose friends because something went wrong. Sometimes, we just stop reaching out. 

We let meaningful friendships fade too easily, and in a world where staying in touch is easier than ever, there is no real reason not to reach out. Maybe it is true that you never had friends like the ones you had when you were twelve, but that does not mean those friendships should stay in the past. 

At that age, friendships were easier. They felt more genuine and carefree. As we grow up, something about them changes, and sometimes that’s not always for the better. There were no overthinking texts or trying to plan around everyone’s insanely busy schedule; you just hung out. Adult friendships are not worse, they are just different.

One of the weirdest realizations is that you don’t always get closure. It is frustrating, it is sad but it is the truth. Some of those deeply bonded friendships just fade. There was such a specific feeling of being with your childhood best friend, and there is a constant wonder of if that same feeling will ever be felt again.

Now everything is planned or rushed, and sometimes it does not even last that long. When we were younger, summers felt endless and entire days could be spent doing nothing. No matter the situation now, there is a way to get back to that. 

Of course, we can not just throw aside jobs and schoolwork every day to be with friends, but a few hours would not hurt. The biggest problem is not planning around our schedules, but that we think it is too late, and way too awkward to reach out. Think about it though, you would be appreciative of someone checking in, right? I am sure they would be too. 

We are also more connected than you think. You still follow each other, like their posts and view their stories, but you do not actually talk. Social media has created the illusion of staying in touch. Instead of just liking their story, next time, swipe up and ask how that new coffee shop was or if they enjoyed their latest vacation. 

If you are feeling really bold, bite the bullet and go for it. We all know their number is still saved in your contacts, probably with some cringe emoji combination. The last thing you should do is feel embarrassed about it, because at the end of the day, nothing is truly that embarrassing. 

To get a little sentimental, I would like to remind you of some of the many lasts that you most likely didn’t realize. Think about the last time you visited their home and had a conversation with their parents. Maybe you pet their dog and tortured their little sibling together. Think about the last text you sent to them, or the last word you spoke to each other.

Don’t be sad because those don’t have to continue being lasts. You can send another text today. There might be a little uncertainty. However, if you are thinking of a certain old friend right now, that is probably reason enough.