I'll B There 4 U

Ok ok, normally I would rather clean up an elephant cage than use such bad spelling and abbreviations, but if that Friends theme song had been written in the last 8 years, you know that is how they would have spelled it. For some reason, it is now acceptable to settle for less when it comes to song lyrics and titles (just look at the top 10 at any given time and you will know exactly what I am talking about, the whatchas and gottas and using number for words is enough to make any lover of the English language cringe). But the sad thing is, lately, I have been getting the feeling that it is acceptable to settle for less when it comes to friendship as well.

Of course, deceit has been the code of the upper class and petty since the days of Elizabeth, from Anne Boleyn all the way to Serena Van Der Woodsen. That's what makes them so fascinating. the endless scandals and betrayals these girls allow themselves to get into is exciting and makes us feel a little superior, that we would NEVER do this to our friends.

But sometimes, even more detrimental than a huge betrayal, it's the little things.

Just as in any relationship, the little things remind the other person they matter to you are usually a big indicator of the overall commitment. With friends, it's a little harder, because friendship doesn't usually end in a clean break-up, it fades out because friends forget to do these things, especially when living far away.
I have been lucky. Because of this age we live in, I have been able to stay in contact with the people from high school that have really mattered to me. We almost never see each other, but we call and send texts and facebook thingies, and we remind each other that we are there.

Friends I've made since then have been a little different.
I'm graduating in 2 weeks, and have serious doubts that I will stay in contact with more than 3 or 4 people for the first year out, maybe even none once a year has passed. New York is an easy place to feel isolated and lonely in, and every person needs a circle of people they trust. I know I have difficulties reaching out in times of need, but it's easy to text someone if you're going out with a big group, or to just let someone know you're there, or to show up to a party you're invited to. My so-called "best friend" hasn't even bothered to talk to me for 2 weeks now, and chances are we won't speak till graduation, and then never again.

I think this is why it's easier to open up to a relative stranger than friends. Maybe it is the anonymity of it, but there is also the hope that this person could be a true friend, that will be there, that you can be there for, that will help you grow as a human being, that will just shut up and listen without judgement.

Because, when you get right down to it, that's really what we all want.

Don't forget your friends. Don't let them slip by the wayside. If you feel something is wrong, reach out.

Like anything else, it's the little things.