Friendships change, and maybe that’s okay.
Inside Out 2, the sequel to the beloved 2015 original, continues Riley’s journey through her transition period from middle school to high school, accompanied by her emotions. We see familiar favourites such as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust along with new additions brought by the terrifying prospect of puberty: Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment.
The film’s messages, though perhaps aimed at tweens, also resonates to burgeoning adults, particularly when it comes to friendship.
Despite their well-laid plans, it’s revealed that Riley’s two childhood best friends are headed to a different high school than her. Devastated, the protagonist decides it’s time to make some new, cooler pals, but makes mistakes, nearly costing her sense of self and friendships in the process.
The importance of friendship may seem like a cheesy playground lesson, but maintaining these healthy relationships is vital in the transition into adult life.
Having friends who have your back isn’t something limited to the schoolyard—you’ll lean on your mates in adulthood more than ever. From joy to heartbreak, having a system in place is crucial.
In the transition from high school to university, it’s likely the nuclear friendship group you once spent every day with will be, or has been, fractured somehow. Different people come with different ambitions, expectations and desires, leading to separate paths for university and beyond.
But you shouldn’t let the university you choose dictate the friendships you maintain.
Some friendships may decline gradually or become a smaller part of your life than they once were. Not seeing someone every day may make you realize the things you had in common were limited to your high school’s walls. Sometimes it’s no one’s fault—things just fade away.
But other times, the space apart just makes for more stories to tell once you’re reunited. With the right people, months can go by, yet as soon as you’re together it’s like no time has ed.
New friendships can be glorious too. University is full of opportunities to make new friendships, some of which could last you a lifetime. But, as Riley learns, don’t change who you truly are in the process of trying to fit in.
It may be tempting to present a cool exterior to impress potential new friends, denouncing things you once had a genuine interest in, or ditching movie night with an old friend for an exclusive party invite from a new one. It’s fun in the moment, but once the novelty wears off, you might end up a little lonely.
This anxiety around friendship is something normal to the university experience, especially in the early stages. A new social environment comes with new, unique challenges, and the anxiousness while traversing this unfamiliar terrain is completely understandable. Though you might feel alone in it, trust me, it affects everyone.
Though a lot goes on in the formative years of university, having great friendships throughout is a highlight. For me, starting at Queen’s meant moving countries and leaving my friends from home far away. I worried I’d lose these friendships, or struggle to make new ones in a place that seemed scary and different.
Though I made my fair share of mistakes along the way, it’s certainly possible to maintain your previous friendships and make amazing new ones. Now, I count myself lucky to have such wonderful friends across the globe.
For my old friends, yes, our lives have changed immeasurably, but we’re there to each other through it. As for my new friendships here at Queen’s, they’ve made my experience in Canada that much more incredible.
While Riley’s friendship management may look juvenile at first glance, there are lessons to be learned about the importance of following your path while cherishing those who helped you get there.
Making new friends doesn’t mean you’re losing your old ones—your heart just gets bigger to make room for more.
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