These days, having a best friend seems so important to girls. However, I learned the hard way that having one best friend is not the way to go. It's much better to have many great friends.
When I started sixth grade, I was excited because my friend Jennifer was at the same middle school. I was convinced we'd be the best of friends. At first, things were great. She introduced me to her friend Amy, and we had fun together. I wasn't worried about making new friends because I had them.
Then things changed. Jennifer was very controlling. If I hung out with other people, she'd think I was "mad at her and Amy." So, I didn't make new friends, and being her friend became a struggle. Jennifer wanted to be the leader of our group. Amy and I were never partners; it was always about who got to be Jennifer's partner. We both wanted to be her number one, and being her friend became the most important thing.
I always waited for them after class. Sometimes, they'd walk right past me as if I weren't there. Yet, I kept waiting. We often gossiped about others, and I realized nobody was good enough for Jennifer. She had a list of bad things about everyone, even Amy and probably me.
After months of this, I had changed. I was moody, depressed, lonely, and rarely smiled. I often felt like crying because I felt so left out.
Near the end of the school year, something snapped. I was sick of being treated poorly and battling for friendship. I stopped sitting with Jennifer at lunch and stopped waiting for her. She quickly said I was "mad at her." I explained I just wanted more friends, but for Jennifer, it was all or nothing. Our friendship fell apart.
It was tough at first, but I found other girls Jennifer had labeled as "moody," "snobby," or "mean." They were actually the sweetest, friendliest people. They thought I was like Jennifer at first but realized I wasn't.
Now in seventh grade, I have tons of friends. We support each other, have fun, and are all equal. I smile all the time and never feel alone. Having many friends means it doesn't hurt if two of them do something without me. We're one big group.
Sixth grade was horrible, but it taught me a lot. It's better to have ten or twenty awesome friends than just one best friend. I still wish Jennifer could understand. I want to be friends with her, but I can't limit myself to one friendship. Even though I lost a friend, I am a happier person.