Isabella Chase
Every now and then, I find myself strolling down memory lane, reminiscing about high school days.
I’m sure many of you do the same. We all have those friends from our teenage years that we still keep in touch with, right?
Here’s an interesting fact.
Psychology suggests that those who maintain regular contact with their high school friends exhibit certain distinctive traits. Surprising? Maybe not.
So, if you’re someone who still regularly dials up your high school bestie, you might identify with some of the traits we’re about to discuss.
And if you’re not? Well, who knows, you might just be inspired to rekindle some old friendships!
This might just be a fun little self-discovery journey for all of us!
1) Loyalty is their middle name
We’re all familiar with the term “loyal to a fault,” right?
Well, here’s where it comes into play. One of the key traits that people who stay connected with their high school friends typically display is loyalty.
Psychology explains this loyalty as a form of attachment. You see, young adolescence is a crucial period in our lives when we develop deep emotional bonds.
Those bonds, when nurtured and maintained, can last a lifetime.
So, if you’re someone who’s still in regular contact with your high school buddies, chances are you’re someone who values loyalty and cherishes those deep emotional connections.
And let’s face it, in today’s fast-paced world, loyalty is a trait that’s becoming rarer by the day.
So, if you’ve got it, flaunt it! There’s nothing more admirable than a loyal friend.
2) They’re natural nurturers
Here’s something I’ve observed over the years.
People who keep their high school friends close are often natural nurturers.
They have this innate ability to care for and nurture relationships, making sure they continue to grow and thrive, even over a distance and with the passing of time.
I’ll give you an example from my own life.
One of my closest friends from high school moved to a different country shortly after graduation.
But despite the distance and the time difference, we’ve managed to keep our friendship strong.
Why?
Because she has this amazing ability to nurture relationships.
She always makes time for a quick chat, remembers birthdays without fail (without any social media reminders!), and is always there to lend an ear when needed.
In essence, she’s a natural nurturer. And that, according to psychology, is a common trait amongst people who maintain regular contact with high school friends.
It’s not just about the frequency of interaction, but also about the quality of it.
And if you’re someone who can nurture relationships like a pro, you’re likely to have a strong connection with your high school pals.
3) Adaptability is their strength
Change is the only constant in life, right?
But here’s the thing. Not everyone can adapt to change easily.
People who manage to stay in touch with their high school friends often have this innate ability to adapt.
They can adjust to the changes that life throws at them and find ways to keep the friendship alive.
Think about it. High school friendships often survive numerous transformations in our lives. Graduation, college, careers, relationships, marriages, kids – the list goes on.
Each of these changes alters our lives in significant ways. But those who manage to stay connected with their high school friends are able to navigate these changes.
They adapt their friendship around these transformations.
They find ways to include their old friends in their new lives. They evolve with each other and adapt their relationship according to each phase of life.
Truth be told, adaptability is a trait we could all use a bit more of in our lives.
And those who maintain regular contact with high school friends? They’ve already got it down.
4) They value shared history
Ever noticed how certain memories become brighter when shared with an old friend?
People who maintain contact with their high school friends usually place a great deal of value on shared history.
These friendships are a treasure trove of shared experiences, inside jokes, and nostalgic memories.
Remember that time when you all bunked class to watch the latest movie? Or that school trip where you stayed up late talking about everything and nothing?
These experiences form the core of your friendship, creating a bond that’s hard to replicate.
Having someone in your life who has witnessed your growth, been part of your past, and shares in your memories is truly special.
It’s an unspoken connection that transcends time and distance.
So, if you’re still in touch with your high school friends, it’s likely because you appreciate this shared history.
You value the bond that comes from growing up together and experiencing life’s ups and downs side by side.
And that, my friend, is a trait worth cherishing!
5) They excel in emotional intelligence
Here’s something you might not know.
According to research, people who keep in touch with old friends are likely to have higher levels of emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways.
It helps us communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
So, if you’re someone who’s still chatting away with your high school buddies, it’s likely that you’re pretty skilled at managing your emotions and understanding others’.
You’re probably good at reading the room, picking up on how people are feeling, and responding in a way that shows empathy and understanding.
You know when to give advice, when to simply listen, and when to lighten the mood with a joke.
In essence, maintaining these long-term friendships requires a high level of emotional intelligence.
And that’s not just good for your social life – it’s also a highly sought-after skill in many professional fields.
So not only are you winning at friendship – you’re also setting yourself up for success in other areas of life!
6) They have an innate understanding of human connection
We live in a world where we’re more digitally connected than ever before, yet many of us feel increasingly isolated.
In this context, people who keep their high school friendships alive understand something very important – the value of human connection.
They understand that, at the end of the day, it’s not about how many friends you have on social media. It’s about those few relationships where you can be your true self.
These are the friendships where you can laugh until your stomach hurts, share your deepest fears, or simply sit in comfortable silence.
These are the people who’ve seen you at your best and your worst and love you all the same.
People who maintain these deep, long-lasting friendships understand that it’s these connections that enrich our lives and give it meaning.
7) They’re committed to maintaining friendships
At the heart of it all, people who keep in touch with their high school friends are simply committed to maintaining their friendships.
They understand that good friendships require effort. They’re willing to invest time and energy into keeping these relationships alive, even when life gets busy.
This commitment stems from a deep appreciation for these friendships and the understanding that they add value to their lives.
If you’re someone who’s still close with your high school buddies, it’s likely because you have a strong commitment to preserving those relationships.
Final thoughts
So, there we have it. If you find yourself nodding along to these traits, you’re likely one of those people who’ve kept their high school friendships alive and thriving.
But here’s something to remember – these traits aren’t just about maintaining old friendships. They’re also qualities that enrich your life in a broader sense.
