“10 Friends Cannot Play in the Same Place for 10 Years”

There’s a saying I grew up hearing: “10 friends cannot play in the same place for 10 years.” As a child, I never really thought much of it, until one day, when my dad said it to me at a moment, I least wanted to hear it.

Growing up, I was that person who made friends everywhere, school, church, the neighborhood, even random places. Old, young, boys, girls it didn’t matter. Friendship meant a lot to me, and I went out of my way to hold on to them.

One of my closest friends was from secondary school. We were inseparable laughing, playing, studying, practically doing life together. So, when it was time to leave after our WAEC exams, I cried so hard you’d think I had been beaten. He cried too, but we promised each other we’d keep in touch, and we did.

But life happened...

My parents decided to send me to a private university almost immediately, and while my friend was happy for me at first, things slowly changed. He became distant. Calls became fewer, conversations shorter. And when I finally admitted to my dad how much it hurt, he said, “It’s okay to be hurt, but remember; 10 friends cannot play in the same place for 10 years. Life takes people in different directions.”

I didn’t want to hear it. I cried even more that night, but I had no choice. I had to let go.

Thankfully, years later, life circled back, and we found our way to the friendship again. But I think I finally understand what my dad meant back then. Friendships are beautiful, but they are also seasonal. Sometimes you have to release people, not because they weren’t true friends, but because life has a way of shifting our paths. And if it’s meant to be, those paths will cross again. If not, you’ll always have the memories, the laughter, the lessons, the impact they left behind.

So, here’s what I’ve learned and want to share with you: cherish the season you are in with your friends. Enjoy the moments, be present, and give your best. But when it’s time to let go, do so with grace. Don’t overthink it. Don’t force it. If they’re meant to be in your life, they’ll find their way back. If not, be thankful to God for the time you shared it was real, and it mattered.

Because sometimes, it’s not about holding on forever. It’s about appreciating the time you had together.