If you're in a group chat, whether it be a large or small one, you must know the struggles: waking up to 98 new messages, the awkward tension fights between 2 of the members where you see the drama unfold, and the moments when no one is awake and you need them the most. But, there are also aspects that make group chats fantastic.

1. Easy communication

If something pops into your head or you need to talk to your three best friends at one time, the group message is the simplest way to send it as quickly as you can. If you need to meet up or make plans, put it in the group chat! Everyone will chime in when they're free and when they're having squad withdrawals.

2. Instant feedback

Need approval on something to wear? Send it. You will have opinions of three or more people in moment's notice after you hit the send button. And, if you're lucky, it will be timely and your friends open your new message two seconds after you submit it. Great friends are like cats: ready to pounce on anything new.

3. Inside jokes

My squad and I talk in code. If we speak in code aloud, everyone around us is confused and ask us for the meaning. Note to outside people: we will not spill. They are called inside jokes for a reason. The plus side to a group chat is inside jokes aren't created on purpose; they are merely formed. Funny typo? Make it an inside joke. Late night 3 a.m. message? Put it on the list. Drunk text? Store it away in the ever-growing file. Group messages also come in handy when something is so hilarious that you can't not share it. It may even make your day, or wind up on the inside joke list if it's drop-dead funny.

4. Great substitute for when you cannot see them

Now that us college kids are home for the summer, I can't drive 4 hours away to St. Louis to see my home girl just for an hour or two. I get to catch up with her through the group chat and I can feel enough personality through the messages so everything is alright in the world again.

5. SOS moments

Awkwardly sitting at a restaurant waiting for a friend to show up? Act like you're busy and grab your phone. That creeper guy bothering you again and you don't know how to respond? Screenshot that s*** and pass it onto the group chat! They'll help you avoid this interaction and will give you a blunt phrase that will send the guy in the other direction. You have people at the tip of your fingertips who have your back and will help pass time of you're bored.

6. The 'do not disturb' setting

Need a break or time to yourself? Mute the chat & join back in whenever you feel like. I work at 7 a.m. sometimes and my group may be blowing up my phone at 1 a.m. I need six hours of sleep in order to function properly, so I slid the 'do not disturb' button on and whenever I got home, slid it off and reread what happened when I was AFK (Away From Keyboard). I didn't have to leave the group chat entirely & I didn't miss much because I got to read what took place so I wasn't left out.

7. You are never alone

You have great, supportive, loving friends who will always want you to be happy. There's no reason to be a recluse or distant because these people care about you more than you'll ever know. My squad is my lifeline and whenever I feel down or need a listening ear; I have three pairs waiting on the other side. I love my group chat so much. P.s. Shoutout to Collin, Emilee, & Ben.