Will Friendship Never Die?

While this is a great question, the answer is not clear-cut. The short, condensed answer to this question is that friendships can die out, but they also can change. Not all friendships are created. Equally, it’s more about timing and equity.

Thinking back to friendships that were made in preschool or elementary school, it’s easy to see where one would think that friendships would last forever. You’re learning how to make friends, and almost everyone is starting on equal footing. You’re learning how to navigate in a social world with others outside of your immediate family. You learn at this time that some individuals are more like you, and you develop bonds with them, AKA – friendships.

Generally, what happens with friendships made in preschool or elementary school is that they change or fade out. This takes place when moving from grade to grade and new individuals are present. This is totally normal; some friendships will become casual.

Friendships can be difficult to cultivate as an adult because of having daily routines and not meeting new people regularly and responsibilities that demand our time. However, adult friendships can be just as strong as friendships that were cultivated in childhood. Like any relationship, it does take work to maintain a friendship, but it can be worth it.

When talking about friendships dying, it is important to realize that friendships do die or fade out. It is rare to have friendships that last a lifetime. However, it is not impossible. Much like other relationships, friendships demand time and energy; they are not perfect relationships that happen without work. Another factor that plays into the longevity of a friendship is the maturity level of each person in the friendship. In middle school or high school, friendships are not always solid due to peer pressure from others affecting the relationship. Individuals must often conform to a certain image, which can destroy friendships if maturity is not involved.

It’s important to remember that not all friendships will be lifelong. However, all friendships teach us lessons and should be cherished.