I just got back from spending two and a half weeks in South Korea. It was filled with much laughter, new memories, and a lot of rice. But now that it has all come to an end, and I find myself in the comfort of my own home recounting all the great times I had, I feel extremely sad. This is because every time I recall a moment from my vacation, I’m also reminded of the painful goodbyes. It was especially hard to leave because I couldn’t say when I’d be coming back to my family. It took me six years to go back to the country and thus could take another six for my next visit. Within this time apart will be missed birthdays, weddings, and graduations. Having this in mind made the sixteen-hour flight feel even longer. With the new school year arriving, I knew that I wasn’t the only one feeling the heartache. So, for students saying their farewells and going off to college, and for anyone else that needs a remedy to their sorrow, here are two steps I’m taking to fight the melancholy.

1. Understand that goodbyes can be good.

I’ve been saying them all my life, but it’s always the hardest farewells that make me question why anyone must depart in the first place. If it were up to me, I’d buy a mansion on a valley somewhere and move all the people I love into it so I’d always come home knowing they’d be waiting. But life just doesn’t work like that. Still, I feel as if there’s something to gain from the experience of leaving someone. I believe that the impression that is left after parting makes me grow as a person. Every time I say a genuine valediction, I think I come out as a different person than my first interaction with them. This is because, by saying farewell, I am also acknowledging the experience I gained by having met someone. And, an experience always has a lesson.

2. Keep in touch. Really.

I know that this may seem obvious but I also know that whenever my life gets busy, I tend to lack the effort to stay in touch with people. I especially seem to take those I love the most for granted and always tell myself “I’ll call them later” or “I’ll make sure to text them by the end of the week”. Then time flies by and I end up contacting them later than I should. With social media and modern technology, it's easier than ever to stay updated with people's lives. So just do. By staying updated, you won't be totally in the dark on what went on in someone's life when you see them next. Plus, you'll be able to have conversations having knowledge on what the person experienced rather than the them having to summarize what happened to the them. This way, you'll have gotten to know them better and saying goodbye won't feel as official.