From childhood, we were taught to search for the one: the Monica to our Rachel, the Ant to our Dec, that person who would hold our secrets, split their chips with us without hesitation, and loyally hate our enemies on command. It was adorable when our biggest concerns were playground dramas and whose pencil case was cuter. But adulthood requires something far more nuanced. Grown-up life is fast-paced, complex, and honestly? No one has the capacity to be your emotional Swiss Army knife 24/7.

You know those moments when you catch yourself scrolling through your contacts and wonder, “Who here is actually a friend… and who’s just on the payroll of my good intentions?” Yeah, me too. Friendship isn’t meant to be a full-time job, although, sometimes it feels like one, especially in your twenties, when life is this awkward mix of growing up and still wanting to binge-watch The Great British Bake Off with a mate who actually shows up.