Lifelong friendships can make you happier and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Many who keep in contact with old best friends, whether from preschool, middle school, college, or later, can improve long-term well-being and support.
Foundation of Their Friendship
Two social butterflies at Gabriel Homes, Kari (left) and January (right), have been best friends since middle school. The duo shared many classes and got to know each other by doing schoolwork together and chatting in the hallways. They were also in the same graduation class at McLean High School.
“After high school, we didn’t see each other as much, but we talked on the phone almost every day,” Kari says. “We would talk for hours about Special Olympics.”
Friendship on and off the Field
January and Kari competed on the same teams in Special Olympics sports, namely soccer and basketball. Coach Pat, one of their teachers, led one of their sports. The two felt they got to know a different side of their coach on the field compared to the classroom.
“We had lots of fun playing in the Special Olympics,” January says. “We became friends with a lot of cool people at matches, and playing together brought Kari and me closer.”
Gabriel Homes Strengthens Their Bonds
Kari was a resident at Gabriel Homes for over a dozen years before January arrived. Since January’s move-in, the two have taken the next step in their friendship by becoming housemates. When they get home from their shifts at ECHO, they and their housemates split household duties around the house, from cooking to cleaning and more.
Living together, January and Kari enjoy playing various games to this day. January’s favorite game is Uno because of the card game’s fast pace, while Kari’s is Candyland thanks to the colorful board and pieces.
“Kari and January are such good friends over 20 years later because they’re different from each other. January is outgoing and always positive, while Kari is much quieter. Both are supportive and complimentary of each other, and their praises make the other feel good about themselves.”