Keeping up intimate friendships may not seem difficult in the age of social media and texting. However, as a great deal of us are aware, it is not true. There are moments when you meet someone new and instantly click as close friends. Sometimes it takes more time to get to know someone before you or they are at ease enough to put your walls down. But life usually feels a little bit fuller once you’ve found your people!
The nature of friendships, their genesis, and their intensity are personal experiences. Maybe you still have tight relationships with your childhood pals, or you’re happiest in big, diverse groups. One may be content with a small group of close friends, or be a social butterfly with a full schedule. There are several advantages that one could gain from these relationships, regardless of the kind of friendship that feels most appropriate for you.
We spoke to a few people who candidly expressed what their friendship means to them and what has kept them together for years.
Laiqa on Bhavya – She gets me
“Honestly speaking, Bhavya is what has kept my spirit alive! We’ve known each other since we were in fourth grade and today we are 24. It’s been a ‘long distance friendship’ for the past six years and we have only grown closer! From discussing college courses to ranting about work - I think she literally knows everything about me. She is like a hard-boiled egg - all strong and tough on the outside but a softie from inside! The cutest thing she does for me is that - whenever she travels she books it via Mumbai flights, so we can meet even if it is just for an hour. No one gets me the way she does, it can be annoying at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Krutika on Pratiksha – She motivates me
“Pratiksha is my family away from family! Over the weekend, I would spend all day at her home with her family, I literally even have a space in each of her family album! We have been friends for more than a decade and reached a level where we can sit together in a room without talking to each other and still exactly know what the other person is feeling without speaking about it. She has been the much-needed beacon of self-awareness and motivation in my life. When I am losing my positivity, I just speak to her and get my charm back. She is the one who has seen me crying over small things like food or men. She has now taken the role of my therapist too!”
Naiks on Pathaks – She makes me laugh
‘Pathaks & Naiks’ are the exclusive nicknames (read, surnames) we coined for each other from the get-go of our friendship about 14 years ago. Our friendship began on a classic note of me being subject to bullies and Pathaks coming to my rescue almost naturally.
What’s kept our friendship alive after all these years is how we always make it a point to keep each other updated about what’s happening in our lives. And for the bigger battles we know that a whining session followed by uncontrollable laughter would be the best kind of therapy we both need.”
Kanika on Vidya - She has my back
“Vidya has been my partner in crime and best friend through thick and thin for the past 20 years or so. It started off as a rocky relationship but we grew to become best friends and sisters! Beyond love and friendship even, I think what keeps our bond forever strong is the fact that we’ve both stood like a rock for each other through thick and thin. We live in different countries now and sometimes we’re out of touch but life happens and situations demand me to run back to her knowing she’s always got my back!”
Sakshi on Sanchita – She hears my silences
“Sanchita has been my anchor for 15 years and counting. She has been my unwavering support, a keeper of my secrets (even in silence). She’s been there through every low and celebrated every high. From childhood to now, we’ve navigated life together, creating the craziest and funniest memories. We’ve grown, laughed, and faced challenges side by side. She is not just a friend, she’s family—a constant in every stage of my life! Our bond is unbreakable, built on trust, laughter, and an understanding that transcends words.”