The power of relationships that matter
In our fast-paced lives, where the demands of work, personal responsibilities, and endless to-do lists consume our days, it’s easy to let meaningful relationships slip to the background.
Life moves fast, and before we know it, years or even decades can pass between conversations with the people who knew us best in earlier chapters of life.
Recently, I had an experience that reminded me just how essential those relationships are.
A few weeks ago, I was invited to a group chat by friends from my school days—a spontaneous reunion after 28 years. It was one of those moments where time seemed to collapse, bringing me right back to those younger, simpler years.
It wasn’t just a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. It was a reminder of how deeply relationships—especially the ones forged in our formative years—shape who we are.
The timeless comfort of old friends
There’s something indescribably comforting about reconnecting with people who knew you before you became who you are today.
With these friends, the walls that we sometimes build in adulthood fall away. The weight of roles and responsibilities—whether it’s being a business owner, parent, or leader—fades into the background.
In those conversations, it didn’t matter how many years had passed or how different our lives looked now. The same inside jokes resurfaced, and the laughter was just as genuine as it was when we were teenagers hanging out after school.
We had been through awkward phases, heartbreaks, and triumphs together.
These memories are like a shared language that only those who lived through them together can truly understand.
Why the bonds we create as kids stick with us
The friendships formed in our youth are unlike any others. Back then, relationships weren’t transactional—there was no agenda, no competition.
We simply showed up for each other as we were, flaws and all.
In adulthood, many relationships can become entangled with expectations and performance, but school friends knew us before we started measuring our worth by achievements.
We laughed at each other’s silly mistakes, fought over trivial things, and faced the rollercoaster of adolescence side by side. Those shared moments, no matter how small, planted seeds of trust that still hold strong.
These friends saw us at a time when we didn’t have all the answers (not that we do now), and that sense of belonging—of being accepted for exactly who we were—lingers even after years apart.
Trust that withstands the test of time
When you’ve gone through life’s formative stages together—navigating the heartbreaks, embarrassments, and triumphs of youth—something remarkable happens: you develop an unspoken trust.
Even though we hadn’t spoken in years, the familiarity came rushing back as if we had been hanging out just the week before. This trust doesn’t erode with time; it merely waits for the right moment to resurface.
I found myself laughing uncontrollably at some of the ridiculous things we did as teenagers. And it struck me that this is what makes these connections so powerful:
They allow us to be real.
There’s no need to impress anyone. You can show up exactly as you are, knowing that these people already know your story, the good and the bad. That’s rare in adulthood, and it’s something to cherish.
A second family that stays with us
Friendships built in school often feel like a second family. We supported each other during those critical years when we were figuring out who we were and what we stood for. Even though life has taken us in different directions—some of us are parents, some business owners, others chasing dreams across the world—the bond remains intact.
This type of connection becomes even more meaningful as we navigate the complexity of adulthood. The weight of responsibilities—work pressures, relationships, family life—can feel overwhelming at times. But those old friendships serve as an anchor, a reminder of who we were before life got complicated. It’s a unique kind of grounding, one that brings clarity when things get blurry.
The value of reconnecting and making the effort
It’s easy to say, “I’ll reach out one day,” or “I’ll catch up when I have more time.” But here’s the truth—there will never be a perfect time. Life will always get in the way. Reconnecting takes intentional effort, but the rewards far outweigh the inconvenience.
In my case, I didn’t realise how much I had missed these connections until I was pulled back into them. It was humbling to be reminded that, despite everything that’s changed in the past 28 years, some things—like the kindness of old friends—remain constant. It made me reflect on how lucky I am to have crossed paths with such incredible people.
Closing thoughts: life is too short not to reconnect
The past few weeks have made me realise that relationships, especially the ones that have stood the test of time, are some of life’s greatest treasures. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, but at the end of the day, what we remember most are the people who walked alongside us through the years.
I feel incredibly blessed to have experienced my school days with such a remarkable group of people—kind, funny, and full of heart.
They reminded me of the value of showing up for each other, of keeping the connection alive, even if life pulls us in different directions.
So here’s my advice:
Make the effort. Send that message, pick up the phone, organise the catch-up.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time”—it may never come.