THE UNWRITTEN RULES OF Summer friendship

Summer is *supposed* to be for the girls: iced coffee runs that turn into hourslong life chats, spontaneous thrifting trips on sunny afternoons, sleepovers where you stay up way too late laughing. Basically, it's three months of endless chances to make memories with your crew.

- BY LAUREN BARNHILL

Because honestly, isn't hanging out with your friends the best part of vacay?

So why is it, then, that you're one week into break...and your group chat is already crickets. Or you scroll past a pic on Insta and realize half of your squad went to the drive-in without you. Or (sob) your BFF is about to head off for a month at camp.

As dreamy as summer friendships seem (especially on social media), this season can actually be one of the hardest times for staying close. Between travel plans, part-time jobs and not seeing each other every day at school, even your strongest bonds can start to feel a little off.

The good news? With the right sunny season strategies, you can keep your connections totally thriving.

RULE #1

Be proactive about making plans.

You had grand visions for your summer bestie bucket list (Tubing! Street fairs! Book club!), but it's already July and you've ticked off...zero.

Truth is, summer schedules fill up fast. If nothing gets put on the calendar early, it's way too easy for everyone to fall into the "I can't, I have volleyball camp/my family camping trip/my marketing internship" logistics loop.

Instead of waiting for plans to magically come together, be the friend who actually makes them happen. Send a text to the group chat and suggest something specific. (Pro tip: A set day and time works way better than a vague “we should hang out soon.”)

Locking in just one date on the agenda can help build the momentum and inspire future hangs. Chances are, everyone's been waiting for someone else to make the first move. Why not let it be you?

RULE #2

Be open to expanding your crew.