Choosing friends is like drafting a team in sports. You don’t just want the most players, you want the best players. The ones who will stand by you, push you to be better, and celebrate your victories. Just like in sports, the quality of your team can make all the difference.

“I think now in our generation it is kind of hard to find real friends,” said junior Isabel Seip. “Everyone has so much drama, and people are so negative, so it’s hard to find people who have a positive impact on you. It may take a while, but once you find those good people, it all is worth it and you’re happier.”

Strategic thinking is crucial; choosing the people that you want to be in your circle should also be a thoughtful process. It’s not about having the most friends, but about having the right ones.

“Choosing friends can be difficult at times,” said Seip. “Sometimes you think you find a good friend and then they stab you in the back. Then there is the type of person that always hypes you up and makes you smile and genuinely cares about you. That’s the friend I think everyone needs in their lives.”

You want to surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and help you grow, just like a strong team. True friends will respect your individuality, and encourage you to be the best version of yourself, not just copy everyone else. Choose your friends wisely and know when it’s time to let someone go.

“Find genuine people who are excited for your success, people that care about you, not just when it’s beneficial for them,” said junior Kaitlin Gould. “I look for trust and just a genuine person that I know would have my back.”

When choosing friends, you want to look for people who share your values, respect your boundaries, and inspire you to grow. They should be supportive, trustworthy, and a positive influence in your life.

“I had a friend that negatively affected my mental health,” said sophomore Kiley Dejong. “I felt like I needed to give them everything I could to help them. It was taking away my energy, and I was hurting myself in the process.”

Knowing when to let somebody go can be tough. If a friend constantly drags you down, disrespects you, or if the relationship feels one-sided, it might be time to consider it even if you don’t want to. It’s okay to distance yourself from people who don’t contribute to your happiness and personal growth. It’s all about maintaining your own wellbeing and peace of mind.

“I know you may really care about them,” said Dejong. “You have to do what’s best for you, and it’s not always about them. It’s okay if they have issues, but it’s not okay if their issues are impacting you and your mental health. You should never give someone all your attention and your everything, especially if they don’t give the same energy back to you. You have to think about yourself and put yourself first.”

It’s not about quantity, it’s all about quality. Where every decision in life counts, every friend counts. Even if it may hurt to let them go, it benefits you in the long run.

“Letting go of that toxic relationship has benefited me,” said Gould. “It’s allowed me to focus on positive relationships and personal growth. I highly suggest to anyone struggling with a friendship that is draining to let them go because it may hurt, but in the end it’s so much better for you.”