The lessons we learned about friendship from 'The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat'

Friends can come in and out of your life. But the very best ones feel like family.

This sort of close, sister-like friendship is the foundation of "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat," streaming now on Hulu.

The new movie, directed by Tina Mabry and adapted from the 2013 novel by Edward Kelsey Moore, follows three young women − Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean − and depicts their unusual births, how they find each other and themselves as young women in the 1960s, and their experiences navigating new worries as older married women in the 1990s.

Watching these three Black women find strength amid struggles is sweet, if cliched at times, and it may have you running to hug or text your best friends.

Here are four ways "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" teaches the importance of friendship and had us reminiscing about the best times with our besties.

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Lesson 1: Don't let differences keep you from making new friends

Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, with Kyanna Simone as young Odette) is fearless and outspoken, but avoids asking for help. Clarice (Uzo Aduba, with Abigail Achiri as young Clarice) is a talented pianist who stresses about perfection. And Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan, with Tati Gabrielle as young Barbara Jean) comes from a troubled home, facing a difficult journey to find stability and learn her worth.

They don't judge each other for their differences. Instead, they truly take the time to get to know and support each other, while also celebrating successes.

The young actresses in the movie are fine, but Aduba, Lathan and Ellis-Taylor work so well together, it's a shame that we don't get to see more of their group dynamic in the limited screen time they have. It's especially refreshing to center a film on older Black women and what's important to them. I just wish there had been more of it.

Maybe it's a good reminder to make some time to have a heart-to-heart with your bestie if it's been a while, talk about your dreams or desires, or even make a bucket list or vision board. And don't be afraid to add new friends to your group.

Lesson 2: Consider creating a friend group name

The women at the center of the film call themselves "The Supremes," a nickname given to them by the fatherly Big Earl over at their favorite diner, a reference to the famous Motown vocal group whose main members were Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson.

Each time they use the name, they say it with pride or as a way of reaffirming their bond.

There's something unifying and maybe even a little mysterious about having a group name with your besties. Even just putting a humorous title on the group chat may bring a giggle − and bring you closer.

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Lesson 3: Fight for your friends

Early in the film, when best friends Odette and Clarice meet Barbara Jean, Odette is ready to fight − literally, physically − to protect Barbara Jean, who is in danger from her stepfather after her mother dies.

They end up pulling her into their friend group and helping her find a better living situation.

Through family tragedy and scary medical emergencies, the women lift each other up. They navigate generational traumas and ignore the haters − and fight to prove those haters wrong, too.

They come to see the best in each other, but that doesn't mean their relationships are free of hard truths, just softened by love.

I'm not recommending you ponder punching people to protect your pals, but remember to watch out for each other. Sometimes a simple "I've got your back, you're doing great" is all someone needs to brighten their day.

So, you've outgrown your friends:You're not alone.

Lesson 4: Find a favorite place

Times change in the film, but one place stays mostly the same: The women regularly visit Earl's All-You-Can-Eat diner. The friends even have their own table, which the owner reserves for them.

The restaurant is a familiar place where they can meet and catch up, no matter what else is going on.

I know life isn't exactly a small-town sitcom where everyone knows your name at the local coffee place, but establishing a comforting location or activity as a regular meet-up may help make getting together more routine.

It underscores the importance of spending time with friends, being in each other's company, even when life gets busy.

Our friendships can't thrive on connecting through social media and chats alone. And "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" only drives home how quickly the years pass and how life can change overnight. Hitting like on their latest photo isn't enough. Hug your friends in-person as often as you can.

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