Gretchen: “Regina, you’re wearing sweatpants. It’s Monday.”
Regina: “So…?”
Karen: “So that’s against the rules, and you can’t sit with us.”
Contrary to this quote from the movie “Mean Girls,” most friend groups don’t follow a weekly outfit schedule. Every group is different, and that’s why it’s hard to find a friend group you click with. We asked six seniors for advice on navigating friend groups.
Tilly Dettling is currently a part of three friend groups: one from elementary school, one from middle school, and one from high school.
“When I was a freshman, there was this whole culture of, you need a specific friend group, or you’re weird, but I know a lot of people who prefer to sit with a small group or by themselves at lunch. I’ve realized over the course of high school that everybody has different ways of being happy and positive,” said Dettling.
Claire Tagalog has been in the same friend group since freshman year; however, the number of people has expanded. Tagalog values the diversity of her friend group.
“It’s important to become friends with people who are different than you, but you still feel that you can connect with them,” said Tagalog.
“You guys are the worst people I’ve ever met… and I’ve been to a demon dimension.”- Raven, “Teen Titans Go!”
No one should be “the worst person you’ve ever met” in your friend group, but it’s okay if some members aren’t your favorite.
“In a big friend group, not everybody has to be your best friend. You just have to be open-minded about the situation and gravitate towards positive people,” said Dettling.
Tagalog said that what kept her friends together for four years “was that we always respected each other and made sure that if there was a problem, we just discussed it instead of going behind people’s backs.”
“I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks.”- Harry Potter
Audrey Farrimond joined her current friend group sophomore year, after growing apart from her middle school friends.
“Don’t continue relationships that make you feel bad about yourself… don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself or make decisions that you feel are right for you,” said Farrimond.
Daniel Sutanto and Kirin Cowell-Shah both bounced around before finding the same friend group junior year, which bonded over academics and humor. They advise on how to find your people.
“If you’re not satisfied, definitely talk about that with your friends, and that can strengthen your bond, or it can help you realize who you really want to hang out with,” said Sutanto.
Cowell-Shah emphasized that it’s normal to struggle to find a friend group you enjoy, but you will always find it.
“There are eight billion people in this world. You’re going to find people who enjoy your presence, and you enjoy their
presence,” said Cowell-Shah.
