Friendships in high school aren’t exactly straightforward. Sometimes, they’re forged over shared misery in a class, a common sport or an assigned group project. But some of the most meaningful friendships come from the smallest interactions, like a chance interaction in the lunch line, or even something as simple as walking past each other every day in the hallway. But no matter how they start, friendships—whether close or casual—are the threads that make high school life a little more bearable.
Breaking the ice often requires a leap of faith. Junior Sharva Kanaparthi has mastered this approach with what can only be described as creative risk-taking. “I tend to just say random stuff to people and see how they take it.” Kanaparthi said. Creating a conversation is not always about crafting the perfect introduction—it’s about seeing who’s willing to laugh at strange observations or keep the conversation going. Randomness creates a natural filter for people who match the sense of humor or energy.
Friendship opportunities are everywhere, being open to them is the hard part. Freshman David Kim points out how classes are a natural place to start. “I make friends by talking to new people in my classes,” Kim said. Classes can be an environment where it’s easy to overlook the students nearby—lab partners, the table mates nearby or even someone who is least expected. Turning small, everyday interactions into conversations can lead to unexpected connections. People often find that the relationships they least expected tend to be their best ones.
Friend groups can be one of the most rewarding but also challenging parts of high school. When they work, they’re a source of constant support and laughter. But as sophomore Matthew Weaver noted, a friend’s group requires effort. “A friend group is cohesive when everyone works together to have a good time,” he said, reflecting on how tension can sometimes cause cracks. Finding balance in a group dynamic where everyone feels included takes patience, but it can be worth it for those moments when everything clicks.
Not all friendships have to be deep or time-consuming. The casual “hallway friends” prove that even small gestures can add value to the day. These are the people who are greeted without fail, exchange a quick laugh with or simply nod at. While they may not be the friends that receive the text at midnight, their presence can be a reassuring constant in the otherwise chaotic halls of high school.
A social study was conducted using simple techniques to form the strong basis of a friendship. “Do you want to be my friend”, an out-of-the-blue compliment and simple banter all yielded significantly more acceptances of friendships than denial. On average, five out of six people agreed to be friends. While rejection can be awkward, breaking out of one’s comfort zone may lead to lifelong friendships.
Making friends in high school doesn’t come with a set manual, the process is simpler than it seems. Friendship starts with being open to new people, taking small chances and appreciating the variety of friendships that come across the way. Whether it’s a casual nod in the hallway or a close-knit group, these connections remind us that we’re not alone in navigating high school. Sometimes, all it takes is getting out there with a little effort and openness. Next time the temptation to stay quiet occurs, take the plunge and a new friend might just have been made.