Real or Fake? : Friendship at Hackett

Real or fake? How can you tell? Friendship is a roller coaster filled with many ups and downs. A lot of people find them hard to manage as the connections built fade in and out. But what really makes a good friendship? 

Tyler Brand, a concise individual with an interesting understanding of relationships, believes that trust is the core of any good friendship.

“What makes a good friend is trust. If you have a friend that’s trustworthy and you don’t go behind their backs, you can have a better friendship.”

You may think that's ironic of him to say, however Tyler then proceeds to mention a powerful thought. "Friendships that last for five years or more are often destined to last a lifetime. However, even with long-term friendships, things can get tricky."

“I know my place, but it hurts when I don’t feel loved,” Tyler says. His concern for his friendships highlights how important emotional reciprocity is—feeling both seen and valued.

For freshman Sophia Robinson, a good friend is someone who makes you feel comfortable, someone you can talk to without fear of judgment. She describes a friend who stands out from the crowd in the best way.

“A person who is always there for you, and you’re comfortable with. They compromise for each other and think well of the other person,” she shared.

Sophia’s friendship with “Precious” shows how essential these qualities are. Their friendship is based on mutual understanding, laughter, and shared experiences, making their bond strong and enduring.

Sophomore Sophia Parker’s perspective revolves around kindness and the impact of betrayal. She explains how a friendship she’d had since fifth grade ended when her friend sided with someone who caused her emotional pain.

“It was really upsetting when she chose someone who made me cry,” Sophia recalls. Betrayal, like stealing or lying, is one of the most damaging things in a friendship. 

Abigail Riker highlights the importance of inclusivity in friendships. She believes that smaller, close-knit groups allow for more meaningful connections.

“Smaller groups in the friend group, including everyone—those are the best kinds of friendships,” she says.

Lucia Husovska agrees, noting that a group where everyone feels relied upon creates a strong and lasting bond. “A close-knit group is one where you can depend on each other without any pressure,” she adds.

True friendships take effort, honesty, and a willingness to listen and grow. The strongest friendships are the ones that withstand challenges, evolve over time, and, most importantly, make us feel seen, loved, and respected.