High school friendships vs. college friendships

Back when I was in high school from 2006-2010, I used to think high school friendships lasted a long time since many people seemed so close. Then when it was time for me to go to college in 2010, I was told that high school friendships dont last very long beyond high school years. Despite me not having any friends myself, I thought that was made up since everyone else around me always seemed so close to their groups.

Nowalmost 8 years after high school graduation, I don’t even keep in contact with some acquaintances or people i just simply saw around school. And no one else seems to be friends with each other. Meanwhile, almost 3 years after graduating from college, I still keep in contact with a few college friends, the longest is one who graduated in 2011. Now I am starting to wonder if what I was told was true, if most high school friendships really don’t last. There are some exceptions, but it is rare. College friendships seem to be stronger, more mature at times, and last longer. What do you think? Do you still remain in contact with high school friends? Just wondered.

Well, my case is opposite with you. For some reason, the friendship in college years is breaking up. I just graduated last year, but I feel so distant right now with them. We're rarely talk. The last time I met and talked to them was last October.

Meanwhile, I remain in contact with my high school friend. Well... Actually, they are my childhood friends, since the primary school. We went to same high school and separated our ways in college years. But most of my friends are closer to the high school friends rather than the college ones.

I ever heard some people have long lasting friendship from job environment too.

Oh okay wow. Yeah I always thought people don’t become friends with coworkers as well since people are only at their jobs for the money. But I guess anything is possible.

I think it totally depends. I graduated HS almost 20 years ago. I still have multiple good friends from back then. My husband is actually a friend from high school too. We all still have a lot of fun laughing about the good old days and the stupid stuff we did.

I also have a very good friend from college and former coworkers who are friends. Coolest I think is a friend I met back in HS. We went to different schools and met off an internet chat room. We still keep in touch to this day! I also talk to my very first boyfriend, though just via Facebook.

I'm rambling because I'm smiling. Thanks for this.

You’re welcome and I’m glad you keep in touch with them. I wish more people were willing to do that with me.

Wow thanks, you've made me realize I have gotten better in the friendship department, for whatever reason.

In my opinion in high school and middle school and even grade school, no one has real friends. They are there for status. Certainly no one liked me and I didn't really care for them either. But there were some weird dynamics in my school. Even now, when one of my high school "friends" likes something I post on FB, I cringe a little. I just have a lot of doubts about why they liked me.

In college I think things were more genuine. I am more able to connect and actually a lot of people liked me I think, and I was able to see good things in them.

I don't know about keeping friendships past college because I've been a bit depressed and am bad at corresponding via FB and text with people, but in college, I think people are more desperate/eager to make friends. At first it's because they're away from family (I never understood the loneliness and desperation behind that) but later, it does have a lot to do with networking and future career success. You want to surround yourself with people who are doing well and have interesting ideas. I definitely want to keep in contact with some people for those reasons.

In any case, I think this is interesting. I think all friendships are to an extent superficial.

I think it depends on your age. I left school over 30 years ago and after having laughed at FB for years, finally decided to join and have had such a good time reconnecting with people again. Even back to primary school. Most of the people I went to university with I either never heard from again, or came across in a work related capacity. I tend to associate work friends with being less close than others, unless they've left the employer. But FB has helped me get back in touch with and meet people I've not seen or heard from for years. It's made me very happy!

I agree with that, although I know people who are friends since middle school and now they are around 40 and still friends.

I think people in college respect humans more. There is less pettiness, especially among humanistic sciences students. And that's why friendships are more "real" perhaps...

I agree. College friendships seems more genuine. Still some friends that were fake there but not as much and not as bad. And I agree, I do believe that every friendship is superficial to an extent as well and am starting to not believe in the concept of best friends forever as much anymore.

I do agree. I believe it is very hard to be friends with coworkers. Unless one or both leave the same company, then maybe a friendship is possible but that is rare since most people are just there for the money and want to keep their personal and professional lives separate.

Oh cool.

Oh okay, makes sense and I agree.