High school marks the transition from childhood friendships to adult ones. Gone are the days when our parents arranged playdates and took us to the park. Now, especially as a senior, I find myself experiencing friendships in a new way.

This year, I am celebrating Galentine’s Day, which made me think about how I have cultivated friendships throughout these four years in high school.

In recent years, Galentine’s Day has grown in popularity. Galentine is a play on the word Valentine, except rather than the focus being romantic relationships, it is focused on friendships. While the holiday is traditionally considered to be on the 13th, it is often celebrated throughout the month of February.

“My friends and I have done [a Galentine’s Day party] every single year of high school,” said senior Ava Hall. “Friendship is important to me because I feel like you are less alone, you base your friends on your personality so you are around people who are like your family, and it’s a built in home for yourself.”

I always describe my friendships as ones of serendipity, a mixture of having classes together, asking for directions, and compliments is what originally brought us together. However, these friendships actually took work and time to form.

Now, I’m sure at this point in the year you have heard it all in regards to making friends: join clubs, go to school events, try talking to the people in class. As a senior I’ll let you in on a little secret, these things are constantly repeated because it’s actually some of the best places to meet friends in a school setting.

There’s one key aspect you might not be doing. You have to cultivate these relationships outside of these settings. Now, I’m not saying you have to plan a Galentine’s Day party, but I am saying you should start saying hi in the hallways, or ask people how their weekends were.

Friendship is not one size fits all. Friendship is not always like it is depicted in the media. You don’t have to have a friend who you tell all your secrets to. You don’t need a friend that you always eat lunch with. Friendship can look completely different depending on the person. One thing that all friendships should have in common is communication should be at the forefront.

My advice, don’t be afraid to start up a conversation. Remember it’s never too late to make friends. Also, tell your friends how much they mean to you, and not just on a day that is dedicated to friendship like Galentine’s Day.

Senior Advice is a regular column in which seniors pass on lessons learned through four years of high school.