It was a nice summer day. The sky was clear, a breeze rustled the trees, and the sun was setting. We were on our daily walk around the neighborhood, but this day was different. When we parted at my house, she told me that she was moving away. I wasn't prepared at all. I thought that we were going to be friends until our high school graduation. Here are some things I learned, and recommend you do if your friend is moving away.
1. Understand what it means for your friend to be moving away.
So, your friend is going to be moving houses. Or across the country. Or maybe, to another continent. Whatever the situation may be, comprehend what it may mean. For me, it meant no more hanging out, watching movies together, or swimming together. I would no longer be able to talk with her about things face to face. I had to deal with the fact that I probably wasn't going to be seeing her or hugging her anytime soon.
2. Be there for your friend.
Once you've understood the situation, offer to be there for your friend. As horrible as you may feel, they'll probably be feeling ten times worse. They're the one who will have to make new friends, navigate an unknown place, and adjust to a new home. By offering to listen to their worries about moving, you can help ease their stress. After all, that's what friends for.
3. Make more memories together.
Just hang out! It can be something as simple as studying together, or you could watch a movie at the theater. Just remember, these will make up some of the moments you'll remember your friend by, so make them good ones.
4. Reminisce.
While hanging out, talk about the past. It's fun to think back to when you were starting out as friends, and all the good memories that followed. Talk about old times, and gold memories. It feels nice to bring back those happy moments. This is also another way to bond with your friend. Just remember to not remind your friend of embarrassing moments, or times that they don't want to remember. As funny as it may seem you, your friend's discomfort isn't something to be laughed at.
5. Get things off your chest.
Remember all those things you've always been meaning to say to your friend? Now is the perfect time! Once they leave, there's no other way to really tell them your true inner feelings. Seize the moment. Besides, the act of talking about your feelings is quite cathartic. This can be a great way to de-stress. Confess your feelings (romantic or otherwise), and if your friend is discomforted, at least they'll be leaving soon. Just try not to drag them too much.
6. Get something to remember your friend by.
The easiest way to remember something is to take pictures of it. If you don't want to forget your friend or the memories you've made together, take pictures! They don't have to be selfies. Pictures of the environment, or the activity that you're doing, will work just fine. This way, if you feel like taking a trip down memory lane, you have the means to do so. If you're not about that photography life, a souvenir or trinket that has meaning will also suffice.
7. Give your friend a gift.
The purpose of this gift is for your friend to have something to remember you by. You'll probably want to give them something long-lasting, like a book or journal. Something handy would also work, like stationary, or earbuds. If you don't want to spend money, homemade gifts can do. Playlists actually surprisingly work well as presents. They're easily accessible if put on music-streaming websites like 8tracks or Spotify. All in all, just make sure that it's a memorable gift.
8. Say goodbye.
It's the last day that your friend will be there. Everything has been building up to this moment. If you're not going to be able to see them anytime soon, make sure to hug them goodbye. Make sure to have tissues on hand in case one of you starts crying. It's totally OK if you start being really cheesy and cliché.
9. Take care of yourself.
As sad as you may be, it's important to keep going in life. Try not to regret all the things you didn't manage to do or say. It is what it is. As much as that friend-shaped hole in your heart hurts, you'll eventually make new friends. Sure, they may not be the same, but you'll heal. Besides, in this tech-savvy era, there are so many ways to keep in touch with your friend.
10. Keep in contact.
Remember, just because you may not be able to physically see your friend doesn't mean that you can't still talk to them. FaceTime, call, or text your friend. It's quite simple. Snapchats are also another easy way to say "Thinking of you!". Just don't be that friend that says "Keep in touch!" but never contacts you ever again. If you want to be old-fashioned, letters are really fun to write and send. By talking and staying in touch, you can be there for them.
I hope this list was a bit helpful, and wish you luck with your friendships. Remember, it's not the end of the world if your friend moves away. As the saying goes, "good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there."
