When I first left for university last year, I moved only a few hours away from my hometown. It was definitely strange not seeing my friends every day, but we would still meet up at least twice a semester, sometimes more if they came to visit. Seeing friends only every couple of months is not ideal, but it is doable. However, that was when I was only a few hours away. When you move all the way across the Atlantic Ocean, visiting each other twice a semester becomes a little more difficult. And this time, not only do I miss my hometown friends, but my university friends, too.

I have been away just over a month and it’s safe to say I definitely miss my friends back home. It is strange seeing them hang out together or making plans in our group chat; it feels odd knowing everything is carrying on without me. I don’t want it to sound as though I am miserable; I am having an incredible time and would not trade this experience for the world. I’ve made new friends who I know I will take home with me. But that doesn’t make it any less strange seeing everyone at our university, going to the bars and coffee shops that we all used to go to, while I’m out here leading an entirely separate life.

A friend messaged me today. We hadn’t spoken in a while and her message made me realize how much I miss her. Catching up with each other made me think about how much of each other’s lives we’ve missed over the past month. However, it also made me realize that it isn’t necessary to be in constant communication with friends. You can both live completely independently of one another, not speak very often but still maintain a great friendship because you know when you do catch up, it will be as though nothing has changed. You will pick up right from where you left off.

I think being abroad has made me appreciate my friends more, especially those I don’t talk to very often. It is so reassuring knowing that while we might not see each other for over four months, when we do reunite it will be like it always was. It is nice knowing that we don’t have to talk every day to maintain our friendship. It is as though there is an unspoken agreement between us; an agreement that we can lead our independent lives, not speak for long periods of time, but nothing will change between us.

Although I will be sad to leave New York, I am excited about seeing everyone again. I know it will be so comforting seeing familiar faces every day, going to our favorite places together and going back to seeing each other pretty much all the time. But for now, I miss you and that’s okay.