In about three weeks, my best friend is graduating from university and I'm in denial. Although my bestie's hometown is less than an hour away from mine, I don't want her to graduate. I know that my BFF has to graduate sooner or later, but I hate losing my closest friend at school. I guess I'm afraid that once she graduates she'll be too busy to go to BW3s or have a pizza night. It makes me sad knowing she won't be on campus anymore and can't just drop by my apartment. During this time of letting go, I have gone through several stages of saying goodbye to my best friend.
1. Stage 1: Denial.
We know the time has come for our senior friends to graduate, but we aren't prepared. Where did the school year go? What happened to all of plans we had before they graduated? You're wishing you could turn back the clock and relive all of the good times you've had with them. Who else will get pizza with you at 4:00 a.m. and binge-watch "Friends" with you? You know that next year won't be the same without your partner in crime.
2. Stage 2: Anger.
I think by now we have all thought of ways to avoid saying goodbye to our senior buddies and somehow keep them at school. You're starting to resent them for being older than you and therefore, graduating before you. We're not ready yet to release our friends into the adult world while we're still stressing over exams.
3. Stage 3: Sadness.
You're willing to admit that you get a little emotional whenever you think about your senior friend graduating. It's unfair that they're moving on in life while you're still stuck in college. You're trying to prepare yourself for the next school year without them and your heart is breaking. Every moment you have left with them before they graduate is precious and there is no time left to waste. Also, you know you'll be a mess when you see them in their cap and gown.
4. Stage 4: Never leaving their side.
Since your friend is graduating soon, you have to seize every opportunity you get to hang out with them. What happens if they get an awesome job that's far away and time-consuming? You want to say goodbye knowing you spent as much time with them as you could without having any regrets. You're not prepared to let them go and they need to know how much you'll miss them.
5. Stage 5: Acceptance.
The time has come to say goodbye to your graduating friend and you think you're finally ready. Although you'll miss your friend so much, you are also tremendously proud of them. You know they'll accomplish great things and it is time to let go.
