There is something particularly special about the kind of friends you have known forever. There is an exceptional bond that is formed over time, one which creates the kind of relationship that can only come from the a life spent alongside each other. You might have your good and bad patches, you might even fall out with each other from time to time, but just like a brother or a sister you have to admit that friends who grew up together have got something pretty magical. They don’t have to live in the house next door, but there are a lot of reasons why they remain close to your heart.
- You trust each other more than anyone, because they are like family.
As the saying goes, you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. The only other people who know you as well as your family are the friends you choose. So in this sense, your lifelong friends become your family.
- They know your biggest secrets.
You’re their number one confidante. And they are yours. Because you trust them like family, and because you have shared so much life together, they know your heart. And you trust them with it.
- You had all your ‘firsts’ together
Friends who grew up together got to experience so many new things together! Your first day of school, your first date, your first kiss! These are memories that only your lifelong friends share with you. No one else has the same kind of special history as this. - You know what each other needs
Like family, you don’t just know each other you know what is best for each other. And you want it for each other, no matter what. - You don’t need words to communicate
When things happen, you don’t need to tell them how you’re feeling. They have known you long enough, and know you well enough, to know what to do in certain situations. When tragedy strikes, somehow you know you don’t need to ask them to come. You know they will be at your door just as soon as they can. - The reasons that you became friends always remain
You picked each other for a reason. Maybe it’s because they make you laugh until you cry, or maybe it is because they stood up for you when no one else did. Whatever the reason, you’ve got each others backs, and the fundamental reasons you found each other will always be there. - They were there for all the big events growing up and they will be there for all the big events in the future
They were there when your Grandma died, when you graduated, when your dad remarried. They were there by your side for all those enormous moments of your formative years, and so its extra important that they be there for all the ones that are still yet to happen. - You can share your history together
One of the greatest joys in life is sitting with an old friend and reminiscing about the ‘good old days’. It’s very special having a friend that you love and trust to help you sift through beautiful memories, and laugh together about moments both good and bad. - They are one of few people in your life you will have this kind of relationship and connection with
There is a lot to be said for a friendship of this caliber. There is so much history and care and time invested, it is a rare and special gift to have such a thing with another person, and good friends recognize this in each other. - They are a continuous (and trusted) source of learning
It is not only our similarities that see a deep friendship flourish, but our differences as well. Our long-term friendships will inevitably experience times of change, and it encourages us to learn from each other and support each other during these moments of learning. - They know who you are because they know who you were
Your pasts can help determine the strength of your future. Having someone to walk through this life with you is golden — having someone who knows your entire journey, is priceless.
