It's so interesting to see how you've broken friendship down over time. I can relate to a lot of this - and am now watching my kids go through these phases as well. Middle school girl friendships are A LOT.
Thank you! It was such a good exercise for me and I learned a lot from writing this post. And my heart aches for kids going through it. It is just a part of life but soooo painful. And middle school girl friendships were the meanest for me. I honestly don’t remember a lot of middle school because I think my brain compartmentalized it to survive 😂
It really is hard to watch it happening as an adult. There is something weird about girls in middle school trying out these punishing, tribal behaviors. I don't quite understand it - and I still see it as an adult but have learned to stay clear of people in that camp. Yes - blank spots are definitely a coping mechanism!!!
Yes! I think for me as a kid, I didn’t have the experience yet to know that it would get better or there would be more people out there for me. My bubble felt small like middle school was my world and this was all I had. Versus as an adult, we can discern unhealthiness better (hopefully) and have the autonomy to leave (for example quit a job). With the knowledge there is more out there.
Thank you, Isabella! So grateful to be one of yours — you are a kind, compassionate person who will offer so much time and energy to those around you. I feel honored to know you!
Really never something I thought about, thanks for giving me a framework for thinking about friends
It's so interesting to see how you've broken friendship down over time. I can relate to a lot of this - and am now watching my kids go through these phases as well. Middle school girl friendships are A LOT.
Thank you! It was such a good exercise for me and I learned a lot from writing this post. And my heart aches for kids going through it. It is just a part of life but soooo painful. And middle school girl friendships were the meanest for me. I honestly don’t remember a lot of middle school because I think my brain compartmentalized it to survive 😂
It really is hard to watch it happening as an adult. There is something weird about girls in middle school trying out these punishing, tribal behaviors. I don't quite understand it - and I still see it as an adult but have learned to stay clear of people in that camp. Yes - blank spots are definitely a coping mechanism!!!
Yes! I think for me as a kid, I didn’t have the experience yet to know that it would get better or there would be more people out there for me. My bubble felt small like middle school was my world and this was all I had. Versus as an adult, we can discern unhealthiness better (hopefully) and have the autonomy to leave (for example quit a job). With the knowledge there is more out there.
Awww! Love this! Glad to be one of your many friends!
Thank you, Isabella! So grateful to be one of yours — you are a kind, compassionate person who will offer so much time and energy to those around you. I feel honored to know you!