Middle school is hard. It’s not elementary school any more. There’s more students, more classes and teachers, increased pressure to self-advocate and perform (i.e. make decent grades) while showing greater independence and self-sufficiency. Add to that, a perfect storm of puberty and social instability. One study of 410 7th graders found that just 1 percent of  7th-grade friendships lasted until the 12th grade.

“The reason the friendships ended is not so surprising: It seems the kids’ differences eventually drove them apart