If you're like me, you are currently in the process of finishing up your summer internship, getting your life together and starting to think about moving back to campus. With unlimited freedom and your college besties anxious for a reunion, you can't help but be extremely excited to return for the academic school year. One of the few things you are going to miss about the summer, besides no classes and pool time, are the few people who you actually made time to see in that small town you call home. Hanging out with your hometown friends over the summer reminded you why you befriended them in the first place and why they are irreplaceable. Just like many others, I was reminded this summer why I love my hometown friends and how much I have to thank them for.
1. The embarrassing pictures.
If you have been a friend group for a long time then you are all bound to have many embarrassing pictures of one another in a special folder labeled “blackmail." You also probably have way too many selfies of the group to count, but always continue to collect more.
2. The inside jokes.
You and your hometown friends have stories and inside jokes that date back to the awkward middle school years where acne and braces were plentiful. When you hang out with them there is no escaping that weird thing you might have worn, said or did eight years ago.
3. The late-night food runs.
There is that one local spot that your group always craves late at night. No matter how many times you all think about trying to avoid it, you know there’s no point. You might even have a usual booth or table. No matter how many burgers or tacos have been consumed at the restaurant, it doesn’t compare to the many hilarious memories made and conversations had there.
4. The group chat conversations.
You all continuously have a group chat going and, no matter the time of day or how ridiculous the subject, there’s never a hesitation to text the whole group. The group chat still never ceases to amuse and entertain you to this day.
5. Their ability to comfort you.
They may not even know the situation, but they’ve been your friends long enough to know what you need when you’re upset about something. Whether it’s ice cream or a hug, they will be the ones to give it to you without being asked.
6. The info they find for you.
If you ever have a question regarding someone from your high school class or that old boyfriend of yours from seventh grade, they will be sure to have the scoop. If not, they will find a way to get it for you.
7. Understanding the bond with your pet.
Because your hometown friends have come over to your house throughout the years, they understand just how much you adore your pet. They witness firsthand how you talk to your pet like he is a human and play with him on the daily. They will probably mourn right alongside you when your pet passes way because they were there for his whole life too.
8. The tough love they provide.
Your hometown friends are not afraid to be hard on you. They have been around long enough to know when you need someone to tell you to snap out of it and move on with your life.
9. Their never-ending support.
They will be the first ones to jump for joy when they hear about the internship you received or the position you were awarded. Even though they might be far away, a win for you is a win for them. They can’t help but celebrate.
10. The hilarious conversations.
You can laugh about old times, new times, future times and all the times in between. Life is never dull with them. There are too many times to count when you all laughed until someone cried, peed their pants or both.
11. Their protective nature.
They might not personally know the boy you're dating from the college you attend, but they will stalk him on social media until they know everything. They will always check in and make sure that you are being treated like the princess you are.
12. The lifelong friendship you've created.
You have all been through a lot. From middle school dances to high school football games, you have shared awesome times together. You have also stuck together through some harder times and many months apart. The important thing is that you are all best friends, and no one can change that. It’s a great feeling to know that you have a few people in your corner, even if they aren’t living near you anymore. The love you all have for one another can withstand any amount of distance - and when you're all together, no one can stop you.
