The Friendship Expiry Date: Why Sometimes You Need to Declutter Your Squad

Let’s talk about a truth that’s as inevitable as it is liberating: the natural expiration of friendships. Yep, it’s like that carton of milk in your fridge—sometimes, you’ve gotta check the date and decide if it’s still good for you.

Remember those wild nights of endless partying and living like there’s no tomorrow? Well, tomorrow has come knocking, and some friendships just haven’t grown up with us. Maybe they're still partying like they’re 17, while you're trying to adult responsibly on a budget with a garden to upkeep.

And let’s not forget the friends who seem stuck in a Groundhog Day loop of bad decisions. You know the ones—partying too hard, experimenting with substances that should’ve stayed in a high school chemistry lab, or just plain refusing to level up in life. It’s like trying to charge your phone with a spaghetti noodle—ineffective and leaves you feeling drained.

But fear not! It’s all part of the grand friendship evolution. As we mature (yes, adulting is real), our priorities shift like tectonic plates. Suddenly, we crave meaningful connections that recharge rather than deplete us. That’s when it’s crucial to curate your squad like a pro.

Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing your social circle. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who challenge you to grow, and who actually have their act together. You want friends who are as excited about brunch as they are about personal growth. Who discuss ideas, not just gossip. Who are building careers, not just building beer can pyramids.

And let’s not forget hobbies! Find friends who do the things you love—or the things you’ve always wanted to try. Want to learn pottery? There’s a friend for that. Into hiking? Your crew is waiting on the trails. The key is to blend your social life with your passions, creating a cocktail of awesomeness that leaves you feeling uplifted, not hungover.

So, here’s your permission slip: reassess your friend group. It’s not about cutting ties with everyone who doesn’t fit your new vibe. It’s about gracefully transitioning towards friendships that align with your current and future self. You deserve friends who bring out the best in you, who make you laugh until your abs ache, and who remind you that adulting doesn’t mean losing your sense of fun.

So go forth! Embrace the ebb and flow of friendships, toast to new beginnings, and remember: life’s too short to hang out with people who suck the energy out of you. Here’s to finding your tribe—the ones who turn your ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures.

Cheers to evolving friendships and an epic journey ahead!

• Aly Raposo