Old Friends Feeling Larger Than Life
My daughter has three close friends that have been “BFF’s” since high school. I remember quite well the days when their shared, giddy lives were defined by love for boy bands, Friday night football games, and epic sleepovers.
Back in the year 2000, boy band craze dominated the charts. I remember songs by NYSNC, 98 Degrees and Backstreet Boys on repeat during “get ready” sessions before school dances. So, during their freshman year, when the girls had an opportunity to see The Backstreet Boys in concert they went. Little did any of us know this occasion and bonding love for the song, “Larger Than Life” would lay the groundwork for the kind of friendships defined by forever.
For over 25 years, the girls have grown into strong and beautiful women. They’ve navigated challenges of personal growth and championed one another with relentless support and love. They’ve served as bridesmaids for each other and encouraged one another while navigating paths towards the unknown. They’ve mourned pregnancy losses; they’ve triumphed in achievement. They’ve showed up in steady presence during cancer diagnosis and treatment. They’ve sent boxes of outgrown toddler clothes to the next in line. They’re called “auntie” to one another’s children. They’ve laughed, loved, and cried their way through the years despite growing individually in different ways. Their daily text chain chronicles how they remain connected.
Given I’ve had a front row seat to this impressive friendship, when my daughter told me that the “BFF’s” had booked a trip to Las Vegas to see the 2026 version Backstreet Boys concert, I became vicariously connected. I mean, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to relive the best day of your life from 26 years ago with your favorite friends ever.
Suddenly they were 16 again. Photos sent from Vegas reflected heightened delight on concert day. They coordinated outfits. They sparkled their faces and adorned butterfly clips in their hair. Their smiles were nothing short of dazzling; matching their silver sequence sensible shoes. Between their 4-person embrace, I felt the gladness and buoyancy of their tenured relationships.
When the best, old friends get together, there’s an unspoken understanding of who we are and acceptance of how we’ve become. Friends who’ve known you before you even knew yourself can offer perspective in how much you’ve changed and encourage you to keep growing into your best self. They accept you even when you feel most discouraged. Being together feels like the most comfortable couch, defined by companionship and comfort. You know you are with a life timer when eye shifts communicate an entire conversation without a word.
They say you can’t make new old friends. My daughter and her BFF’s have come a long way since that boy band craze of 2000. Despite the personal crossroads of growing into their own lives, they’ve persisted in their commitment to remain important to one another. Music by The Backstreet Boys might forever catapult them to yesteryear, but lingering love and genuine like for one another means there’ll be many days ahead when their friendship will continue to offer a soft landing for whatever life brings.
In appreciation, lyrics from the Backstreet Boys song, “Larger Than Life,” say it best when describing the unique bond shared by old friends. “Every time we’re down, you can make it right and that makes you larger than life.” Old and dear friends really do become larger than life, and that is such a good thing especially when your own life feels so small. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the “BFF’s” next road trip. Without a doubt, they’ll have butterfly clips in their hair and sparkly sensible shoes on their feet.