You might love them or hate them, but they’ve practically been the main source of your entertainment throughout your adolescence. I’m talking about your “friends from home,” the people who made up your life before the era of college.

When you take that nice (long) drive back to your hometown, the first thing you want to do is see your pals (besides stuffing your face with mom’s delectable home-cooked meals). I personally enjoy observing how people change … and they do. The straight-edge girl, who preached and preached, is now a pot-head — lovely. The bitch who used to think she was the shit just gained 20 pounds — hi-la-ri-ous. The Casanova is now apparently pussy-whipped. The girl who was always sloppy and a huge slut at parties — well, some things never change.

Now, I don’t know if it’s a trend, but suddenly everyone is pretending to be anorexic. Comments about picking at salads and not wanting to eat are discussed in a high-five fashion. Yet, ironically, they down Coors like it’s Aquafina. I guess beer is an exception to any diet.

People change due to their surroundings, their own personal growth and, of course, to an abundance of illicit substances. They can also change due to experience, especially that of a sexual nature. It’s just weird to see then-virgins presently detailing their conquests proudly: “Ya, guys guess what — he, like, fisted me like five times, hehe … and I kinda liked it.”

On a positive note (heh) some people actually do change for the better. The slightly awkward kid actually gained enough social skills to have a good time in group settings and appears genuinely happy. The strictly emo kid has broadened her horizons and now enjoys a plethora of genres. The former pothead has decided to take it easy. The people who didn’t have minds of their own suddenly developed some strong, independent personalities.

People gossip about who has changed (physically, mentally, spiritually and behaviorally), who has a new girlfriend or boyfriend, who suddenly changed their sexual orientation and who failed and dropped out due to playing excessive Halo tournaments. It’s very interesting to see how independence affects your friends every year. Sadly, some change for the worse, others stay pretty much the same and many change for the better. It is important though, to keep in touch with the good ones … I mean, they are the people you grew up with.

Nicole Zimmerman is a sophomore psychology major. If you want to tell tales of how your friends have changed, feel free to contact.