Nothing could have prepared me for the day I had to say goodbye to my high school friends as we all headed off to college. My thoughts were plagued by comments I had heard from nearly all the adults in my life: "You'll drift away from them," "They'll change," "Things are just going to be different," and countless other assertions that implied I was going to lose the people I grew up with. I'd smile and nod every time a family friend told me I'd find "my people" in college, but deep down I knew that I was in fact leaving my people back home. Now, as I am in my second semester of college, I realize these statements could not be more far from the truth. I've made incredible friends in college, but they will never replace the ones I made in high school. Although it's definitely not the same as we don't see each other as often, absence truly does make the heart grow fonder and it's always the same whirlwind of emotions when seeing friends from home.
1. Excitement
Whether you're seeing your friends during winter break or visiting them in college, there's no feeling that compares to seeing someone after such a long time. You probably left your dorm feeling a little empty, but all of that is forgotten when you see your people again.
2. Gossip
Yes, I am well aware that gossip isn't a mood, but I don't think a singular word describing "in the mood to gossip" exists. You haven't seen your friends in weeks, probably months, and even though you're probably in contact via social media there are some stories that just have to be told in person. You spend hours exchanging stories about your crazy college nights, what the crazy girl next door did, how you stole a traffic cone, and all sorts of good gossip.
3. Normal
Surprisingly, it doesn't feel like anything has changed. Yes, you have some new experiences to talk about, but other than that you feel like no time has elapsed since you last said goodbye.
4. Nostalgia
Despite the aforementioned feeling of normalcy, you can't help but remember that this actually isn't your "normal" anymore. You might be back at your favorite diner but you're no longer locals there, and the songs you always played on your late-night drives have become too old to your ears.
5. Sadness
The time between your last goodbye and current reunion may have passed quickly, but the time between this reunion and your next goodbye fly by even faster. Saying farewell never gets any easier.
6. Comfort
Even though you're sad to say goodbye, you're just one step closer to being reunited again. You've survived weeks without these people before and you know you can do it again. After all, college friends are college, but these people are home.
