When I was in elementary school, I had a group of friends that I thought would be forever buddies. We all grew apart. That's when I learned that friends come and go in a continuous cycle.

I became more aware of this in high school. I had this friend, let's call them "O." So, "O" was my ride or die for my first 3 years of high school. We did everything together, we studied together, we hung out a lot, and we talked every day. I thought we would be lifelong friends and ride or die buddies forever, or at least a long time. Everything changed when I decided to switch schools for my senior year. I didn't want to spend my last year of high school miserable and under constant pressure. Once I did, I was doing better, but my "friend" let go. I still don't know why. I kept trying and trying to reach out, but my efforts were never seen. As of now, "O" isn't a part of my life. I've moved on. I still struggle to make friends, but I'm in a loving and secure relationship now where I'm supported no matter what I take on. Looking back, I should have known not to pour every ounce of my heart into that friendship and still should have left more energy for me and my likes.

This is my experience with friends coming and going. Hopes can be poured into one relationship, but they can come falling once they don't reciprocate or walk away. I'm a person who goes all in and gets hurt in the end. Those elementary school friendships that I mentioned, I'm still in contact with 1 of them. It's sad to think back and remember how happy we were as kids and see all of us now, grown apart and older.

Friends come and go, but only some stay for the ride. From my experience, it's rare to find those who will stay, but when you find those, you must cherish them. To the reader, I suggest that you pick your friends wisely and cherish those who are with you through it all, but make sure to reserve time and energy for yourself.