We all have a few select friends that we grew up with before college. They went through the struggles of high school and maybe even middle school by your side. So, the day you head off to college can definitely be a wake up call for the transition in your relationship timeline. I don't know about you, but my college life was busy, and it was very difficult and almost impossible to keep my friends from home updated on every aspect of my new life. The best part of coming home for breaks was seeing my family, but also catching my best friends up on everything. These are the ....
8 Things To Remember When Reuniting With Friends From Home
1. Don't feel guilty for being absent in their college experience.
Some friends get lucky by choosing the same college to go to together, but most don't. That's just how it is. Sometimes it is a good thing to be able to reinvent the high school 'you' in order to become the person you want to be. Your friends have this opportunity while they're away at college, and so do you.
2. They are going to have new friends, but you're not replaced.
Sometimes, it feels weird seeing your best friends post about their new friends at college. You feel like that should be you. But don't feel that way. Be happy that they are happy. Don't worry. You're not forgotten.
3. College is the place where you find yourself.
Maybe your friend came back and they seem a bit different. Maybe they dress differently or talk differently. Maybe they have different views on things. That happens. Talk about it and encourage their new confidence.
4. Take time to listen to their stories.
There is so much that happens at college. I know I wanted to hear about all the funny, embarrassing, or exciting stories, but I also heard about the hard times. They are all important. You might even have similar experiences.
5. Reflect on old memories and make new ones.
It always feels good to walk down memory lane with a good friend. "Do you remember when..." There are certain times that only a hand full of people will cherish and be a part of. Now that you have reunited, continue to keep making memorable stories.
6. Your friendship doesn't have to be stuck in high school.
Some people want to leave all of their high school friends in high school, but the important friendships should be able to mature with every chapter of life. Communication is key.
7. If you have old traditions or inside jokes, keep them.
Maybe you can relate when I say that my friends make me laugh. A LOT. The number of funny stories we have, which result in stupid humor that only makes sense to us, is crazy.
8. The friends from home are sometimes the people who know you better than anyone.
These are the friends who saw you through all the mistakes, awkward stages, silly gossip rumors, and insecurities. They stood by you through the days when you didn't know who you were, and you tried to figure it out together. Remember who was there, and keep them alongside you no matter the time and distance.
