I’ve been thinking a lot about the people who’ve shaped me—not through grand gestures, but through consistent love, shared growth, and honest conversations. Friendships, when nurtured, have the power to ground us, stretch us, and remind us who we are. I’ve been lucky enough to have friends who’ve done just that.
In this post, I’m sharing six meaningful lessons I’ve learned from my friends. These aren’t just surface-level insights—they’re truths that have helped me grow into a better, more grounded version of myself. At the end, I’m also shouting out two of the women who’ve taught me the most: Lena and Jaelynn.
6 Meaningful Lessons I’ve Learned from my Friends
Unconditional love is real: My friends remind me how good I am, how proud they are of me, and how much they appreciate me–despite my quirks, intense passions, or moments of emotional distance. They love me unconditionally. I don’t have to be perfect for them. I just have to be Asiah. That kind of acceptance has helped me become more receptive and self-compassionate.
Growth is good (and necessary): Friendships evolve as we do. Long-term connections deepen when both people are willing to grow. There’s nothing wrong with change. Change is evidence of growth. What matters is whether your friendships align with who you’re becoming and where you want to go. I’ve learned that evolving doesn’t mean outgrowing people; it means growing better together.
Meaningful conversations matter: As my friends and I have grown, so has the depth of our friendship. We’ve become more open, more honest, and more thoughtful. These days, our conversations carry wisdom, reflection, and healing. Whenever I speak with my friends I always leave better than I came, helping me to feel more connected to them and myself.
Choose friends that feel good: The term “best friend” is something we made up. There’s no official criteria (other than the ones you create). It’s simply just a title we give people who matter to us. Recognizing this can serve as a gentle reminder that friendship is a choice. So choose well. Choose friends who want to see you win. Surround yourself with people who are winning, too. Their success reflects what’s possible. Good friends should lift you, not drain you. They should also inspire the best in you.
It’s okay not to be okay: My friends have supported me through some of my brightest moments (e.g., graduations, new jobs, awards) and some of my lowest, like heartbreak and existential spirals. They consistently offer a space for both joy and vulnerability. As someone who struggles with emotional expression, I’ve learned how important it is to have people who make it safe not to be okay.
Friends are decision making tools, too: One underrated benefit of friendship? They help you think. I consult mine on everything from “Do you think I’m smart enough to study informatics?” to “Should I get Panera or Cava for lunch?” Friends who know you deeply can offer clarity, laughter, and a fresh perspective when you’re stuck. Don’t forget that your people are resources. Use them as such.
A Special Shoutout to my best friends:
In honor of this reflection on friendship, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my best friends–women who consistently inspire me.
Lena is a phenomenal woman who’s currently on her journey to becoming a medical doctor, all while being a devoted wife and an incredible mom. She somehow balances it all with grace and still finds time to share meaningful and relatable lifestyle content. Follow her on TikTok or Instagram: @lenadanielle_
Jaelynn is a multifaceted powerhouse. She’s a science lover, anime fanatic, and a deeply reflective writer. She’s also a healthcare professional and avid-reader. Check out her thought-provoking Substack blog here and follow her on Instagram: @shirebonsai_adventures.
Stuff to check out:
Click here to read a friendship gratitude prayer I wrote—perfect for reflecting on the people who ground and uplift you.
And if music resonates with you, check out me and Jaelynn’s ‘good energy’ Spotify playlist.
Do yourself a favor today and share this post with someone you consider a great friend. They’ll appreciate you for it.
Thank you for reading,
Asiah R.
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Beautiful lessons. Friendship is truly a divine blessing. I pray we continue to evolve individually and collectively. Love you dearly and always.