Lots of change happens during middle school. You’re getting older, trying to survive being busy with sports and school, figuring out who you are and there’s lots of drama. In the center of all of that, having good and trustworthy friends is essential.

Friends are one of the biggest emotional supports in school. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or just about fitting in with everyone, a friend can be the person who will listen to you, remind you that they’re there with you at all times, and laugh with you. They help you feel understood and seen, which is something everyone should and needs to have in school.

Besides friends being emotional support they also help shape your personality. You start to discover what you believe, what you like, and how you want to be treated. Friends challenge you, inspire you, and push you to try new things, whether it’s standing up for yourself, or just being yourself in front of people without having to care what they think.

Middle school is also a time when peer pressure starts to show up. Having supportive, strong friends can help you make better choices. They can encourage you to stay true to yourself, even when it seems easier to just follow the crowd. Good and trustworthy friends help you build confidence and help you learn how to set boundaries.

But let’s not forget about having fun. Friends make school bearable. They turn boring classes into a million inside jokes and make lunch something to look forward to in the day. Whether you are bonding over shared interests or just goofing around, these moments of happiness are what makes middle school memories worth keeping.

Friends in middle school aren’t just people to hang out with, they’re your support system, your mirror, and your cheerleaders. They help you survive, thrive, and grow during one of the most confusing and memorable times in your life. So if you have great friends, hold onto them. If you haven’t found them yet keep being kind, you never know who’s waiting just like you are.