7 Times Maddie Ziegler Gave Us #FriendshipGoals

Coming off a reality TV premiere ( Dance Moms is back for Season 6) and a People’s Choice Award, fans don’t really need another reason to be impressed by Maddie Ziegler. I mean, this it-girl is busy dancing 40 hours a week, modeling for huge brands, and appearing on hit shows, like Pretty Little Liars. But, somehow this girl still has time for a social life, too! And, Maddie Ziegler’s squad is giving me some serious friendship goals.

With famous coaches and mentors like Abby Lee Miller and Sia; formidable teammates; and friends from various acting gigs, photo shoots, and appearances; Maddie’s possibly the most well-connected 13-year-old in the world. Her Sia music videos have been viewed more than one billion times online and she has become the face of several ad campaigns for big brands like Capezio and Target. It would be easy to be jealous of a kid with so much going on, but her positive attitude and kindness toward others is exemplary. We could all learn a thing or two about friendship from Maddie, especially about how she handles these relationships in the public eye.

Here are 7 times Maddie has taught us a thing or two about friendship and #squadgoals.

1. Maddie Supports Her Teammates

She cheers for her friends, like Nia Frazier, on social media.

2. Her Instagram Game Is Strong

Here she is with the squad queen, Taylor Swift.

3. She Is Mature About Strained Friendships

I was a young (tween) once, so I know it can be really hard to grow apart from old friends with grace. It must be even harder if you and your bestie are under a media microscope. But, Maddie has handled hers and Chloe Lukasiak’s separation with respect (and Chloe has too). Maddie has continually spoken tenderly about her old friend to the press, though the girls haven’t exactly kept in touch.

The last time I talked to Chloe was before the nationals blowout. I just want to say that I miss her so much but I guess she hasn’t thought to text back... I feel like I’ve definitely lost a friend because, I mean, I’ve been dancing with her since I was 4 years old and it just doesn’t feel right without her.

4. She’s Friends With Her Mom And Sister

As much as I love hanging out with my family now, when I was 13 there was no way I gal-paling in public with my mom. We didn't have social media back then, but I probably would have been bratty about hanging with my mom on Twitter too.

5. She Knows How To Circulate

It seems like Maddie knows how to circulate and socialize at a party. A skill many of us who wind up petting the host’s dog in a happy solitude still have not mastered.

6. She Respects Her Mentors

In an interview with ET, Maddie gave Sia a rave review.

[Sia’s] literally the sweetest person ever … I feel like I'm just so comfortable with her every time I'm with her. I never feel like, "Oh my god, I'm hanging out with a celebrity" … She's the most humble person and so caring, and she like, cooks for me! She's such an amazing person.

7. She Makes Friends At Work

When Maddie made a guest appearance on Pretty Little Liars she wasn't intimidated as the new girl on set. Her cameo made her the star of several cast members' Instagram posts, proving Maddie is a delight to have around.

So young, so wise. See? We can all learn a little about friendship from Maddie Ziegler.