Old Friends vs. New Friends
“Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold.” – Joseph Parry.
We often hear this saying but don’t always think about what it really means. It suggests that old friends are like gold, while new friends are like silver. But is that true? Gold and silver are different, with gold usually being more valuable. This could mean that old friends are more important than new ones. Let’s explore this idea. Friendship is an important part of life. Having many friends usually means you feel comfortable with others and can easily connect. People make friends because they want to share experiences and interests. However, some believe that making new friends is even more important than keeping old ones.
As we grow older, we move through different environments. Friends come and go throughout our lives. Adjusting to a new environment can be tough, and many people struggle to adapt. Making new friends can help make the transition easier. The friends you had in elementary and middle school may not be the same ones you talk to 20 years later. Take Nantucket High School as an example. Moving from middle school to high school is a big change, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. One challenge is the lunch schedule. Students might struggle if their friends have a different lunch period. At first, they might sneak into the wrong lunch and say, “I didn’t know my schedule.” But as tardies add up, they have to make a choice – either make new friends or spend the year sneaking food into the library. In this case, making new friends is the best option.
As we go through life, new experiences change how we see things and help us grow into better versions of ourselves. But if we stay stuck in the past, how can we improve? Making new friends helps us practice important social and communication skills that we use every day. Today, companies, industries, and even colleges value these skills just as much as technical abilities. As we enter adulthood, teamwork and collaboration become essential for success. Although meeting new people can be nerve-wracking, it teaches us valuable skills like grabbing attention, introducing ourselves smoothly, starting conversations, listening well, and finding shared interests. Over time, these social skills become the foundation for our future success.
Friends are an important part of our lives. They support us through both good and bad times, and some even feel like family. Friendships form because of strong connections between people. While we’ve discussed the downsides of old friends, it’s important to recognize the value of both old and new friendships.
Both old and new friends help us create lasting memories – from the first time we meet to the moments we cherish years later. New friends will be part of our future, while old friends remain a special part of our past and present. Over time, new friends become old friends, and the cycle continues. Some may argue that old friends are more important, and while that can be true, people grow and change. Our interests shift, and so do our relationships. However, both old and new friends leave lasting impressions on our lives.
We need a mix of both to keep life balanced and exciting. New friends bring fresh experiences, while old friends provide comfort and stability. As the saying goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old; those are silver, these are gold”. Friendship isn’t about how long you’ve known someone – it’s about the value they bring to your life. The best friendships help us grow and become more confident. So, while it’s important to hold on to old friends, don’t be afraid to meet new ones. One of them might just change your life in ways you never expected.