We always hear that friends come and go, but I’m a strong believer that this doesn’t have to be true. In high school, we usually find a core friend group, but it doesn’t extend past those four years. Some people may make it a point to see their old friends during the first couple breaks of their first college semester. After this, though, the meet-ups seem to slowly dwindle, leaving these friends in the past.
My situation is unusual, though. My core group of friends were especially close, and nothing has changed. I have a specific group of about five girl friends that I still keep in touch with daily. This isn’t the norm when it comes to keeping up with people when going to college.
Although my situation is unique, I think anyone can keep in touch with old friends if they do it the right way. I have a few personal tips that will make you feel like nothing has changed.
Tip 1: Talk about anything and everything
Some people make the mistake of thinking that they only need to talk to someone when it’s important. You shouldn’t have to have a reason to talk to your best friends. Friendships carry a special bond where we can sit and talk for hours and feel as if no time has gone by. I have group messages where I constantly talk to my friends about anything that comes to our minds. Whether it’s a funny story, talking about our days, or just saying hi, we never hesitate to shoot a text in the group message.
Tip 2: FaceTime often (or my personal favorite, House Party)
We all know that FaceTime is a great way to communicate with others. Although it’s great, my personal favorite app is House Party. With this app, multiple people can talk, so all five of my closest friends can have a conversation. We usually specify a time and all meet on the app. It can be difficult for us, especially because one of my close friends has a three-hour time difference in California. However, if you can make it work, House Party is a great way to keep in touch.
Tip 3: Always be understanding
When friends are all away at different places, understanding is a key element of maintaining a relationship. Although this isn’t as concrete of a tip, being understanding of one another is important. When maintaining long distance friendships, everyone is on a new track. Friends are doing different things and won’t be as available as they were in high school.
I have friends in California dancing and in New York studying film, so I never know what their schedules really are. Your friends probably won’t be as quick to respond as usual, but don’t fret. We can’t get discouraged when our friends are just busy with their lives. It’s not like they forgot about us. High school friends are the type of people you won’t talk to for days, but you know they’re always there for you.
Maintaining friendships in college can be difficult. Naturally, people drift apart, but I knew this was something I didn’t want to happen to me and my friends. I have kept in close contact with almost all of them. Putting in effort is the key and it can easily be done. No one wants to forget about the people that they spent four important years with, so you don’t have to. I am a perfect example of us, and I can confidently say that it’s possible. Not seeing your friends everyday can be upsetting, but it doesn’t have to change a thing. These are bonds that should be kept no matter what. With my tips and your effort, you and your best friends can make it through anything.