No matter how hard we try to get around it, money is always going to be one of the strongest influences on our lives. As a college student, in particular, a lack of money does not help when it comes to being able to enjoy the “best years of one’s life.” If one does not have time for a job during the school year, it quickly becomes difficult to be able to afford to go out on the weekends, enjoy a dinner with friends, or go to the movies. And don’t even think about being able to attend some sort of entertainment, because a $60 concert ticket is not going to fit into your school-year budget.

This leads me to one of my lifelong beliefs: Money should not be a limiting factor.

Now, before you bash me for the fact that money will forever be a controlling component, let me clarify that when I say that it “should not be a limiting factor,” I simply mean that it should not be a reason to not be able to participate in something.

Throughout my high school and college careers, I have come across many instances where my friends say they cannot go somewhere simply because they did not have enough money. Consistently (and almost immediately), my response has been “We’re going. I’ll pay for you.” Of course, they fight a little. But I don’t even give them the option to back out. Now, I don’t do it because I have loads of money stored in my bank account, but rather, because I believe that that is what friendships are about, making sacrifices for your friends in order to continue being able to grow your relationship. You should use the opportunity to be with your friends as much as possible. It is what ultimately allows friendships to keep going day in and day out.

I think what makes this concept work is the common understanding among people that money is not something you can abuse. Sure, some people take complete advantage of a friend’s willingness to pay, but in my experience, I think there has been enough friendship building to be on the same page. I would hope that when it comes to the roles being reversed, they would selflessly do the same thing, even if it wasn’t a reciprocal act involving myself. I would hope that they would be immediately willing to temporarily support another friend and continue the chain of friendship support.

Sometimes, it doesn’t end up working out. Trust me, I know it’s hard to be able to fork up enough money for two tickets to a sporting event, but what’s more important? The physicality of money in your wallet or enjoying the time of your life with your best friend? Just ponder over that a little bit the next time your friend tells you they can’t afford to do something with you. Utilize the opportunity you have to show your friend that they mean something to you. Demonstrate to them that money simply should not be a limiting factor in your relationship.