Hug All Your Friends

Summer has snuck up on us and the days have gotten longer, and with that a certain group of people, namely seniors, may be finding it harder to cope with the passage of time than others. It’s a scary thing to leave when this is all you’ve known for over a decade, but I write this in hopes of making just one aspect of this transition a little less intimidating: keeping your friends close.

First and foremost, do not let the thought that you may eventually separate hold you back. Talk to the person you’ve always wanted to befriend. Go out with your class. Be with the people around you while they’re there. I know it seems menacing, but don’t let that stop you from having genuine connections; it will be worth it. Try to have meaningful conversations with your friends. Play games, go out together, hold study sessions, take photos, sit silently side by side, and comfort each other – cherish one another. Not only because you’ll miss these moments dearly when they’re gone, but also simply because you love these people.

And if you do eventually have to part ways, be good to yourself and others. Some friendships will fade; that’s just how things go. Some will feel natural while others will be unfairly painful. Recognize when a friendship is starting to wane, do what you can to keep your end of the bargain, and if the sentiment isn’t being reciprocated, be kind to yourself by knowing when it’s time to let go. It won’t be easy, but, with time, you’ll be okay.

But many friendships will last, and they shall for as long as you both want them to. Put in the effort. We all know the hurt of being the only one who seems to care, don't let yourself be the one causing that. If you really value those bonds you'll find the time, and so will they. Over the past two years I’m certain most of us have become more aware of ways you can stay connected through the internet, but let’s go over them anyways.

Text often; ask how their week went and update each other regularly. You can do this privately or in group chats, whatever you find less intimidating. Video calls are also a great way to stay connected, and you’d be surprised by how fun it can be to video chat as you both go through your tasks for the day. Interact with their social media if they post, call, like an actual phone call, every once in a while, and meet up in person as frequently as possible.

Gaming also works well for many people; if you and your friends like to game together then that should carry on through long-distance. And if you aren’t into regular video games, you might want to check out online board games for fun, longer calls. You can also watch a movie or a series together.

You’ll find that a different combination of these will work for different people. Above all, remember that life sometimes gets in the way. Some people lead busier lives than others and you might fall on either end of that spectrum. That is okay; be empathetic to their occasional weeks of no leisure, as that is sure to be you sometimes as well. The important thing is to reconnect when things calm down.

At the end of the day, let this be a gentle reminder to hold on for just a few seconds longer the next time you hug a friend goodbye, and to take a moment out of your day to let those farther away know you appreciate them.

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Life's too short to worry about things that we got wrong So hug all your friends and let them know you're not letting go I'm not letting go

Cavetown - Hug All Ur Friends

Credits for cover image: instagram.com/jellyfishcakes