By Patricia Fontejon

Amidst the academic pressures and extracurriculars, high school is marked by personal growth and evolving social dynamics. We can’t stay sixteen forever, and in light of that, we often find that our friendships change as we grow. If friendships are no longer productive or beneficial to us, we need to recognize when it is time to let go. 

It can be hard to determine what a “beneficial friendship” means, as it can mean different things to different people. However, at the same time, naturally falling out of touch with friends is a normal part of life. For example, a student might be best friends with another student in math class, but by the time the next school year starts, they are considered hallway friends, casually saying ‘hi’ in passing and nothing more. 

“I stopped being friends with someone in my sophomore year, but from that friendship, I learned more about the type of people who I can relate to and who I can’t,” senior Rachelle Cantuba said. 

Often as high school students find ourselves “filtering” out friends with whom we no longer share similar interests or who do not treat us the way we wish to be treated. A big part of high school is learning about ourselves and that also involves our relationships. 

When friendships involve constant drama, disrespect, and lack of communication, this adds to our stress and anxiety levels. Ending such relationships can improve emotional well-being and promote a more positive high school experience.

Ending unhealthy relationships also gives us the time to make new connections with people who share similar interests. People changing is inevitable, and losing someone you would talk to every day gives both parties involved the opportunity to grow and experience new things, such as talking to new people or strengthening relationships with existing friends.

A study done by the National Library of Medicine suggests that having just a few close, supportive friends can be more beneficial than having many acquaintances. This research highlights that quality friendships are linked to enhanced well-being and resilience during high school years. Pressured to have large friend groups in middle school, this can come as a big change for high school students.

So, right now it might seem like the biggest deal that you don’t talk to the girl you were once close to in freshman year, or that senior in your math class. However, high school is a time for growth, both in our own perceptions of ourselves and in our relationships with others.