Over the past couple years I have drastically changed. Braces off, new hair, graduated and off to college. Personally, I don’t even know the girl I left back in high school anymore. I still laugh at the dumbest things, and smile over everything. One thing that has changed is that I don’t put up with wishy-washy people anymore. If someone wants me in their life, they’ll find a way to put me there.

I have gone through so many friendships and relationships where the other person treated me as a convenience. I cannot even begin to remember when this all began. Mostly, I remember it being in high school when I first got my license. I was one of the oldest in my class so I got my license first out of everyone. Apparently getting your license also meant you were a taxi service for your friends. Since I started driving, my parents made me pay for my own gas (yes I did have a job), but I would rather not spend my gas money driving across town to drop you off after school when I live two seconds from school.

Do not, I repeat, do not text me or call me when you and your boyfriend/girlfriend are fighting. I am not going to just be your friend when you want to vent. Yes I understand that’s what friends are for, but when it’s constant venting the other side gets sick of it (a.k.a. me). That shouldn't be the only reason you want talk to someone. You should want to be able to discuss what you had for lunch or what movies are coming out this weekend, not just the argument between you and your significant other.

Do not only hit me up on Thursday nights because you want to go to bar night and you have nobody to go with. You only asked me because you know I live for the bar so I will absolutely be going, but where were you all week? Do not text me and ask me if there is a party this weekend. I’m not going to be your convenience friend to drink with.

Don’t talk to me when you know we have a big test coming up and you want to study with me. I guarantee after you pass the class (with my help) you won’t even look at me in the dining hall.

Don't only hit me up when all of your friends are busy and you have nobody to go to dinner with.

I have been through way too much to be a convenience friend anymore. I have tried way too hard to save friendships that ended up just being a convenience thing to the other person. I am better off without them. I deserve true friends as do you. Someone who is going to call you up and tell you that McDonald’s is serving Shamrock Shakes again or someone who is going to tell you about the cute boy she met in her English class. That is what everyone should be looking for in a friend. Definitely not somebody who is just going to call you when they need rides, or need an "in" to the party this weekend. Don’t fall for it. Soon they’ll realize that you aren’t messing around and they’ll eventually stop asking, and let me tell you how big of a relief that will be.

I know it’s hard, especially in college. You’re meeting so many new people. You’ll realize that some people are just friends from down the hall and others will make a lasting impression. This is the time in our lives to meet new people and to find our paths. Don’t let convenience friends ruin that for you.