All friends have nights that go down in infamy. The times that everyone refers to with fond memories and laughs to remember for years to come. But I don’t think these are the nights that turn friends into family. I think it’s the little moments that bring people together. The moments that aren’t big or important but turn out to mean the most.

It’s about the late nights doing absolutely nothing. Laying there enjoying each other’s company with no agenda or plan. Nights out can be fun, but nights in can bring friends together even more. Everyone saying whatever is on their mind, no matter how dumb, and inside jokes are made to be referenced countless times. It’s about the little moments.

It’s about looking at each other as the next episode automatically starts on Netflix. Pretending to debate if you should start the next episode or not, even though both of you know the other wants to watch the next one. Discussing the characters as if they were real and actually caring what happens to them in this fictitious world that has become your escape. Making references to the show and sharing a knowing glance when no one else understands. It’s about the little moments.

It’s about laying in each other’s beds on Saturday mornings, no one ready to acknowledge the coming day. Knowing there’s homework to do and a room to clean and clothes to wash and a life to get on with. Yet, silently agreeing that if no one gets out of bed then maybe responsibilities and deadlines will never come and in this bubble of procrastination stronger bonds are built. It’s about the little moments.

It’s about the hours before you go out. Trying on countless outfits until you find the right one and lining up front of the one person who knows how to put eyeliner on. Game planning the whole night and trying to imagine every possible situation and its’ solution, even though everyone knows that’s not possible. It’s about the little moments.

It’s about recapping the next morning in the caf and laughing over the dumb things everyone did. Explaining stains and hilarious quotes while eating breakfast at noon. Regretting the late night tacos but still getting them the next week. Feeling comfortable enough to literally take your pants off and finally relax. It’s about the little moments.

It’s about squished car rides through traffic. Loosing feeling in your limbs but jamming out to songs regardless. Listening to everything from High School Musical to G-Eazy and singing at the top of your lungs even though no one can actually sing. Getting lost and ending up who knows where but at least you’re all lost together laughing through the failure. It’s about the little moments.

It’s about long hours studying and the delirious walks back to your room. Running on hours of sleep yet deciding to “work on homework together”. Staying at Starbucks until it literally closes and getting kicked out, then realizing you only read two pages in three hours. Walking across campus late at night with books and unfinished homework yet laughing because that’s the only option. It’s about the little moments.

It’s not all about the crazy nights or the Instagram worthy trips. But the little moments that grow to mean so much.