I met my first best friend in Kindergarten, back when making friends was effortless. You simply decided to play together, and just like that, a friendship was born. Little did I know, this friendship would blossom into something far more than just childhood buddies. Thirty-five years later, this person is not only my best friend but truly part of my family.
Now, life has come full circle. My own daughter has just started Kindergarten, and she’s beginning her journey of making new friends. Lately, she’s been obsessed with the game, “Would You Rather.” Some of her questions are typical for a 5-year-old—super silly and often outrageous. But the other day, she asked me something that caught me off guard: “Would you rather be friends with everyone in the world or just have a few friends?”
I thought for a second and answered, “Just a few.” She looked at me like I was being completely silly. How could I not want to be friends with everyone in the world?
Her question, along with recently celebrating my 40th birthday, sent me down memory lane, reflecting on how my friendships have changed over the years. I remember the saying, “People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime,” and I’ve found it to be so true.
When I was my daughter’s age, I couldn’t imagine any friendship not lasting forever. The idea of losing a friend was heartbreaking, and every friendship that faded away felt like a personal loss. But looking back, I realize that even those temporary friendships—the ones that came into my life for a reason or a season—were incredibly impactful. They helped me grow, supported me through various highs and lows, and taught me valuable lessons at different stages of life.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that it’s okay for some friendships to be fleeting. Not every friend is meant to be around forever, and that’s okay. Each connection, no matter how long it lasts, serves a purpose. What’s important is staying open to new friendships because you never know when the next person you meet will become a lifetime friend.
Did you know that October 19th is National New Friends Day? It’s a day dedicated to celebrating the possibility of new friendships and encouraging people to make room for new connections in their lives.
Reflecting on this, I realize how many of my closest friendships as an adult have come from unexpected places. Aside from my Kindergarten bestie, the friends who’ve become like family to me have entered my life at times when I put myself out there and embraced the possibility of friendship. It wasn’t always easy—making friends as an adult can feel awkward or intimidating—but those connections have been some of the most rewarding.
So, as I watch my daughter navigate the world of friendship, I hope to teach her that while not every friend will be around forever, that doesn’t make those friendships any less meaningful. The ones who stay for a lifetime are rare treasures, but the friends who come into your life for a reason or a season are just as important, helping shape who you are along the way.
As moms, we’re often so focused on our children’s friendships, but let’s not forget the value of our own. It’s never too late to embrace new friendships or to cherish the ones we already have—whether they’re with the person you’ve known since Kindergarten or the one you met just last year.
