We have all had that best friend that just seems to complete us. They are your other and better half, they keep you stable and have your back no matter what. I have often called my best friend, Kels, my platonic soul mate because we just seem to click so well, and we clicked like that from the very beginning. We have only known each other for a little over two years now, but we have had so many adventures together and when I have something to share, good or bad, she is the first person I want to tell. So when she had something to tell me, I was all ears, ready to hear what was going on in her life. She then informed me that she was moving with her family, in the seemingly very near future. I was heart broken, we had already been having a hard time seeing each other because of school, work and learning to be adults, but she was still always here when I needed her. I was scared by the idea of her not being a brief car ride away. I started asking questions, right away trying to figure out how this would work. We came to the conclusion that frequent visits would be in order, that we would spend as much time as we could together before she left, and that we would be okay. I am so proud of her for taking on this new adventure with a positive and brave attitude, and I know that she will kick butt no matter where she goes. I myself made a large move in the middle of high school, so I have now experienced both sides: being the friend moving and watching your friend move. Because of this perspective, I thought I would share some tips and ideas Kels and I came up with.
Possibly the scariest part is not knowing when you will see your friend again, so I think a good start would be to know when your next visit will be; that way it doesn't seem like forever away. Even if you won't be able to see one another for quite a while, having a goal will make it seem less endless. Make the most of the time you do have together, celebrate seeing them because it's so important. Make sure that you schedule FaceTime or phone calls. This is something I already don't do enough with my best friend, but I am sure we will make an effort to get into a routine so that we can keep each other up to date on what's happening in our lives. Maybe schedule a movie to watch at the same time and call each other about it, or read the same book and text reactions to one another. Just because your pal is farther away doesn't mean you cant still be close.
Go easy on one another. If your friend is having an amazing time in their new life, try not to drag them down with how much you miss them, let them have their adventure. Understand that you will both be busy and don't get upset if one of you misses a phone call or doesn't answer a text right away. Remember how much you have been through together and have faith in your friendship, you can do this. On the flip side, if they are home sick or lonely, support them. It's hard to leave everything and start over, be understanding of that and always be ready with a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen. This is gong to be difficult for you, an adjustment for sure, but they are the ones relocating, be sensitive to that and let them feel what they need to feel.
Look on the bright side of all of this, I am positive there is a silver lining to be found. Maybe your friend, like mine, will be able to get a pet at their new home. Maybe this is an opportunity for you to travel to a new place to visit them. Imagine how exciting it will be when they are showing you around their new stomping grounds. Maybe this will be an opportunity for you to lean on your other friends for strength, and you will become even closer. Maybe you and your pal will both branch out and meet amazing new people to bring into your lives. If things were always simple and we never felt challenged, we would never experience variety and excitement in our lives. Think of all of this as an adventure, you guys might be doing things separately, but you are still in it together.
Brainstorm ideas for you and your friend in this time of change, savor every minute with each other and remember why you are strong together. You will get through this, no matter how impossible it seems now. Support your friend, and you will conquer this new adventure together.
