Written by: Emily White
Even though it’s only February, the end of the semester creeps ever closer, and I am reminded that I will soon be separated from my friends who are graduating and moving away. However, I’ve learned that just because someone isn’t around, doesn’t mean that friendship is lost. In fact, there are many ways that you can keep in touch with far-flung friends.
Figure out what style of communication works best for you.
Naturally, this will differ between friends. For example, my friend Katelyn and I snap each other almost every day with little updates on our lives, and we call every week or so. I even write letters back and forth with some friends, while others will FaceTime me. Nowadays, there are so many ways to keep in touch, so here are a few ideas:
- Create a shared Google Doc where you can type out long rants (I can’t believe . . .), reminisce about shared memories (Remember that time we . . .) or share an update on your day-to-day life (Today I saved a worm from drowning by . . .).
- If finances allow, send your friend a gift basket! You can make your own, or you can curate one online (1800flowers.com and its affiliates are good places to start). Note: I am not sponsored by 1800flowers.com.
- Send a “thinking of you” message when you come across something that reminds you of your friend. Maybe the song that just came on the radio is the same one you and your friend always danced to. Perhaps a quote from your Fit for Hire workbook brings back a memory of when your friend vowed to burn her Fit for Hire workbook – and eventually did! Maybe the Furby in Walmart reminds you how scared your friend is of Furbies. It’s always fun to reconnect, even over the small things.
Be intentional!
It can be hard to make plans with people on-campus and even more so with long-distance friends. Talk with your friends to establish when you’re going to FaceTime, which days of the week work best for you to play Minecraft, or when you’re going to watch the new season of your favorite show. Sometimes it will take a little bit of experimentation to find a good time that works for everyone, but don’t let those road bumps deter you from keeping in touch!
Accept that your friendship will look different in this season of life.
This may be the hardest thing on this list to do. It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that it’ll be a while before you see your friends again (if you ever see them again, but let’s not think about that). While it can be painful to realize that these past few months or years will likely be the closest you will ever be in your friendship, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a close connection. Accept this change with grace; don’t get stuck in the past.
For those of you who will soon be separated, don’t despair! Take this time to make plans about how to keep in touch. In the meantime, don’t take these final few months together for granted.
