Really the only bad thing about transitioning from high school to college is all the goodbyes you will have to say, and, believe me, some will be harder than others. Personally, the hardest ones for me are definitely going to be my best friends. Now, I know it's only midsummer and I still have some time left with them, but my heart already aches with every day that goes by, drawing closer to our inevitable "move in" days. I know personally that I won't really have "homesickness," but the "friend sickness" is real and I'm starting to feel it already. In a desperate attempt to help numb the pain that is friend sickness I've compiled a few remedies that might make those goodbyes slightly easier.
1. Make the most of your bonfires, sleepovers and as many pool parties as possible.
2. Take time to go on a mini vacay.
You deserve to celebrate those years of friendship whether that's laying in a hammock drinking pina colada in the Dominican republic or taking a simple trip down the shore to get a tan together then maybe hit the boardwalk after for some food and fun.
3. Take as many pictures as possible!
This is an absolute must when you're sitting in your dorm trying to remember all the good times you had with you BFFs. For me, the easiest way I do this is by Snapchatting a lot, then saving my story at the end of the day.
4. Don't forget to write in each other's yearbooks.
I know that you think there is too much to say or there isn't enough time, but just do it. Because trust me: it will come in handy when you're feeling nostalgic and want a quick recap of "the old days" with you and your best friends — and all you have to do it flip open a book!
5. Be there for each other during the whole process of preparing for college.
This will slowly ease you into the reality that you're all close to take off.
6. Even after you all leave, still always be there for each other!
You're still going to face problems like you did before, obviously — the difference is you won't be able to make everything better with just a long hug from your BFF. Although that doesn't mean they can't still be there for you, maybe not physically, but they're only one phone call, text message, or FaceTime away...
7. Seriously, never underestimate the power of FaceTime.
Because it's really the closest thing to feeling like you're with your best friend besides actually being with them.
8. Technology is your new best friend.
Something as simple as rewatching old videos you took of you guys fooling around or going through a slide show of photos you've taken over the years. it brings back all the feeling you felt then and its almost like reliving all those great memories.
9. Don't be afraid to stalk them on social media.
It will probably be the quickest way to stay up-to-date on whats going on in their lives.
10. Don't stress if you feel like you're never going to see them again — you will.
Maybe you even fear that with all the distance between you you'll grow apart, but you won't. Especially if you make each other a priority and make and effort to see each other. You spent many years forming this bond...a few more spent apart won't break it!
11. Don't let missing your best friends hinder you from making new ones, or, better yet, more best friends!
Saying "new" best friends makes it sound like your old ones are replaceable, which they're not. You might surprise yourself with the new people you meet, so make sure to give everyone a chance. After all, your best friends wouldn't be your best friends had you not given them a chance once, too. Its nice to remember the pasta and all the good times you had, but keep moving forward ( a "Meet the Robinsons" reference, if you missed that!) and give everyone and everything a chance to create new memories!
