Your 20s are like the ultimate friendship plot twist. It’s a time of self-discovery, major life changes, and figuring out who your people really are. From someone who finally found her people at University, it’s totally normal for friendships to evolve as you do, and that’s something to celebrate. Here’s my guide to navigating friendships in a fun, positive, and just a girl kind of way.
1. Quality over Quantity
Remember when we all thought having 10+ besties was the dream? Me too. But as I’ve gotten older (frontal lobe has developed) I’ve realised that it’s less about how many people you have in your corner and who is in your corner.
- The Reality: Not everyone has to be your best friend, and that’s okay! A couple of ride-or-die friendships often means much more than a big group of surface level connections trust me!
- Girl Tip: Invest your energy in friends who genuinely get you, hype you up when your thriving but most importantly check in when you’re not.
2. Stop People-Pleasing
As a recovering people pleaser myself, your 20s are the perfect time to stop bending over backwards for people who wouldn’t do the same for you.
- Be Realistic: Friendships should feel balanced, not like a ongoing performance to keep someone happy.
- Girl Tip: Set yourself boundaries. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad friend; it makes you a girl who respects her time and energy. Protect your own peace.
3. Make Room For New Friendships
Your 20s are full of opportunities to meet amazing new people – whether it’s at work, the gym, a hobby group, or travelling group abroad (throwback to my Bali blog)
- The Magic of New Connections: It’s never too late to make new friends. Quite often, the people you meet now will understand you far better than the friends you’ve known for years.
- Girl Tip: Stay open minded and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The best friendships often start in the most unexpected ways.
4. Friendships Evolve, and That’s Beautiful
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? The friendships we form in our teen years are special, but they aren’t always meant to last forever, and that’s not a bad thing. Outgrowing a friendship doesn’t erase the good times. Think of it as adding chapters to your story.
- The Realization: It was by the time I got to University, I started to understand that not every friend is meant to stay in your life forever. I found friends where I could be unapologetically myself. As I grew up and my priorities changed, some friendships just naturally faded – and that’s okay! That’s not to say there weren’t good memories!
- Girl Tip: Don’t worry if you’re still figuring this out. Friendships come and go, and each phase brings new opportunities to connect.
5. Embrace Alone Time
This one’s for my independent girlies; you don’t need a packed social calendar to feel fulfilled. Having down time for yourself can be just as important as handing out with friends.
- Why it’s important: Alone time gives you time to recharge your social battery, reflect, and get to know yourself better.
- Girl Tip: Take yourself on a solo date – grab a well deserved iced coffee, watch a movie or explore a new hobby. Trust me – it’s empowering.
Final Thoughts: Friendship is an Evolving Journey
Navigating your 20s can feel messy, but it’s also exciting. This decade is about figuring out who you are and surrounding yourself with people that support that. Not every friendship will make it through, and that’s okay – because the ones that do will be stronger, deeper, and so much more meaningful.
What’s your friendship journey been like in your 20s? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your perspective and tips!
If you like my content, be sure to subscribe to my blog or follow my Instagram @justagirlguide_blog, Pinterest @JustaGirlGuide & TikTok @justagirlguidee
Just a Girl Guide 
Leave a comment