If you're like me, you rarely get to see your college friends over the summer. In fact, this summer was the first summer I got to see them, and that was a one time deal. After spending your whole academic year with these people, it can suck not seeing them frequently. But, when you do get the off chance to see them, it makes it that much sweeter.
Here are the five stages that all college kids go through regarding seeing their buds during the summer.
1. Agony
School's been out for so long. (It can sometimes feel like that starting the first week, depending on what you have going on. But the longer it's actually been out, the worse it gets.) You love these people and you hate going so far away from them and not getting to seem them every day. Not knowing when you'll be able to see them again makes it that much worse.
2. Excitement
One day, your group chat starts going off just like any other day. Except this day is special, plans start flying about getting together somewhere and having a nice weekend reunion. Everyone finally finds time where schedules match up and everything is smooth sailing. You've never been more excited in your life, you can't wait to see your friends, catch up and have some much needed fun. The only bad part about this stage is the waiting, hopefully it's not too far down the road, or you can at least keep yourself busy until then.
3. Elated
The day you've been waiting for is finally here. You wake up and you feel like a little kid at Christmas. You wish you could just get in the car and automatically arrive at your destination, but the drive is totally worth it. It's finally time to catch up, swim, eat too much food and just have tons of fun!
4. Conflicted but content
It's time to leave already?! On one hand you're super sad and don't want to leave. On the other hand, you're just thankful for the memories and the fact you had a buffer and got to see them instead of going the entire summer without them.
5. Agony
A few weeks, or maybe even days, goes by and you're suddenly back at square one. You start right back up missing them again and no matter how late in the summer it is, it seems like school will never get here.
No matter how often you get to see your college friends throughout the summer, chances are it never gets easier unless you live close enough to see them regularly. Always remember the power of Skype, Facetime, etc. It may not be the same as hanging out in person, but it can still be a great way to have fun and connect with your long distance pals.
