Things You Get From Your Squad

Relationships are the best, sure— but there are so many reasons to keep your friendships solid.

- LesLey Marchant

For some crazy reason, being single still carries some stigma. We’re conditioned to value romantic relationships over all others; even our best friendships can run the risk of taking a back seat to “The One.” And when everyone’s claiming they married their “best friend,” it’s easy to see why we expect our BFs to be our besties.

But here’s something you don’t get told: you can be in an amazing relationship with someone who isn’t your everything. “It’s unrealistic to expect all your needs to be fulfilled through your relationship with a partner,” says counseling psychologist Dita Bosman. While friend-ship provides a solid foundation, Bosman says a lasting relationship doesn’t require your BF’s title to include an extra F.

He doesn’t have to be your world to keep you happy because your world has room for people who’ll always be able to give you what he can’t: unconditional friendship, sisterhood, and shared history. It’s pure, platonic love—and it’s one of the most precious things you’ll experience in life. We say, always allow yourself to have the support of your sisters. There’s so much they’ve given you over the years— and so much more they can still give.

A shared history

They knew you when you had braces in Grade 6.

They were there when you were crushing on that hipster guy in college. Your friends knew you before you were the person you are now. People change, and that’s one of the major reasons relationships end. But you and your friends have grown together. Sure, a new boyfriend is going to learn everything there is to know about you—but there’s something even more special about knowing someone who’s been there for it all.