As an individual with anxiety, I can find it difficult to maintain friendships when I feel it’s not reciprocated.

In my opinion, I think all friendships are maintained unless there is a clear falling out or argument.

Friendships should be reciprocated. You should be excited for each other and sympathise with each other.

But some friendships are different.

For example I have a friend that I have known since reception (Paige) and we probably see each other 2-3 times a year if that. And that’s okay! It’s one of those friendships where if we show love or affection for the other it’s weird. And I know she will be a bridesmaid at my wedding no matter how little we talk because that’s how much she means to me. And I know how much I mean to her.

I understand that some people may think that’s strange like how can you have a friendship with someone who you don’t see. And I just don’t need to see her to know we have a great friendship. I don’t even call Paige my friend she’s like my sister. Some of my friends now even think that Paige and I are actually cousins because she’s met my entire family, we’ve been on holiday together.

I always knew my best friends were going to be my best friends from when I met them. I met Lily and Maisie at a recruitment evening for a job. All three of us got the job and we made a group chat, met up before our first day and walked in together. And it’s been us three ever since. I truly don’t know what I’d do without them. Things got hard when I went to University because they both stayed home and I was so far away. I would go months without seeing them. On new years, Maisie introduced us to Anna who is the most bubbly and one of the funniest people I have ever met. Honestly I think I wet myself at her a few times.

Having friends that you can do cute little things with like even when Lil, Mais and I watch Love Island together or just going for a meal together is so wholesome and fills my heart with love honestly.

I didn't maintain many friendships from school but the one that stuck with me the most is Macy. She was there for me when I was getting bullied by our friend in school. She’s really always been there since Year 7 and I don’t say it to her face but I do really appreciate her, dearly.

So my advice for maintaining friendships is to make sure you reciprocate their energy. If they don’t message you, message them and if that energy isn’t reciprocated (I like this word), then maybe it isn’t for you. But also bear in mind that they may be going through some things which is taking up a lot of their energy so check up on them. A real friend reaches out to their other friends.

But also do things together, even if it’s just to Maccies drive through or a walk around the park or a movie night. Anything that you guys can bond over. It’s so wholesome. You don’t need a massive friendship group to get through life honestly 1,2,3,4 close friends is enough.

I don’t want to bore everyone with paragraphs of every one of my friends because it’s a journey and I love you all very much!