What is it about going home that feels SO good? It seems as though throughout most of our adolescent lives we crave independence; we are always finding ways to defy our parents and assert our autonomy. Yet, there is really nothing like going home after a few grueling months at school. I not only anticipate the warmth and comfort of my own home—particularly my bed—but I look forward to the company of my family. I speak to them occasionally on the phone, and I almost never find myself feeling “homesick,” but the minute I know I’m going home I yearn for that first mother-daughter embrace. Or even the customary punch I receive from my brother.
 So, is it embarrassing to admit that I actually do miss my family, a lot?
Having gone to boarding school, I should be a pro at this living away from home business. However, I still fall victim to the difficulties and occasional sadness of being at school. But I wonder, what is it about being home that just feels so wonderful? Perhaps it is because I can always find a way to manipulate my parents into being my own personal servants under the notion that I never get to see them (works like a charm). Or maybe there is just something about the air that makes me feel better.
Nevertheless, it is curious to me why I want to go home SO badly after spending extended periods of time at school. When I think about it, home can get really, really boring. First off, I don’t have a driver’s license, which makes getting around rather difficult (I know I am most likely alone on this one—most 19 year-olds have possessed licenses for decades by now); secondly, my friends always have different vacations and seem to be elsewhere doing something cooler or more productive than me; thirdly, I live in the middle of nowhere Connecticut, so there is literally nothing to do. In contrast, being at school is so much fun. I can see my friends all the time, I have an incredible amount of freedom, I live in a bustling metropolis, and I am always busy with classes, sorority, sports, etc that I don’t even have time to be bored. Obviously there is something nice about the calm atmosphere surrounding my house and the wonderful feeling of having no commitments; but is that what I crave so much about going home?
Thinking about this has sort of given me a new appreciation for my family and my house. It is so easy to take them for granted—to ignore their phone calls or lie about how much money I charged on their credit cards. I do so many less-than-favorable things to my family, yet when I come home I expect them to faun all over me and treat me like royalty. I suppose it is sheer luck that I do elicit this type of behavior; but when I think about it, I don’t really deserve any of it. My parents do so much for me—from providing me with food and shelter, to supporting me through my endeavors, to listening to me cry over insignificant boys. Maybe that is why I miss home so much; even though I have incredible friends at school that I know will do anything for me, there is a different kind of loyalty and connection you share with your family. No matter what stupid thing I do, I have the comfort of knowing that my family will love me unconditionally. When I go home, everything is so easy and natural. I don’t have to make an effort or put on a front—I can completely relax and be myself. It’s hard sometimes, being at school, constantly under pressure to perform in all aspects of life.
 So maybe I don’t get “homesick,” per say, but I feel as though I am now able to appreciate the benefits of going home. Being away at school makes going home that much more enjoyable—so much so that sometimes I forget how annoying my little brother is or how demanding my parents can be. But I do think it is safe to say that at times, home is just the best place ever.Â
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GWU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.