This semester has been nothing short of the worst and best I’ve experienced in college so far. Over the past four months, I’ve been riding an emotional rollercoaster that has completely thrown the trajectory of my life into disarray. If you had told me just two months ago that I would be writing an article like this, I would have looked at you in disbelief. Each time I think I’ve regained stability and come up for air, the universe sends another wave to pull me back under.
I know many students at UT usually drive home when times get tough. However, I don’t have that luxury, as my family lives in San Francisco. Feeling homesick and exhausted, I found myself longing for my mom’s reassuring hug. But I hit a milestone as an adult—I realized I could no longer rely on my family to pick me up when I fall. I had to find new ways to cope and different people to lean on.
My friends in college became those people—my new family. When my boyfriend and I broke up, they were instantly at my door with ice cream and wine. They cooked me dinner, brought me flowers, and became the sole reason I could still smile. On the nights when I felt like staying home, watching Normal People for the fourth time, and listening to Phoebe Bridgers, they pulled me out of bed and reminded me how fun it is to be single with your best friends.
They’ll probably make fun of me for being this sappy, but they’re the reason I came out on the other side of this better than I was before.
The biggest lesson my former relationship taught me is that friends will always be there for you, but a boyfriend or girlfriend might not. I know this realization may seem bleak, but hear me out. As a sophomore in college, I want to spend my time making memories with friends who will be in my life forever. Romantic relationships can be fleeting, but platonic ones are not. I’m so thankful I never lost sight of my friends and their importance during my relationship, because now, they are my rock.
My friends know me better than any boyfriend could. They bring me more happiness than any boyfriend could. I am so incredibly lucky to have them in my life. My friends showed me what it feels like to be loved again. I will always remember that feeling, especially in my next relationship. At the end of the day, or should I say at the end of the relationship, it’s your best friends who piece you back together.