As an adult, life takes on a different shape. I’ve cultivated a close-knit group of friends who accept me for who I am—messy house and all. They are the ones who bring over cupcakes just because, and who step in during tough times without asking. I cherish our regular “Wine Wednesdays” and spontaneous backyard gatherings.
So, when I learned that my dear friend, Emily, was moving to another state, I struggled to cope. Her decision was driven by necessity; her husband travels frequently for work, leaving her to juggle everything. While I understand the reason, it doesn’t make it any easier for me. Cue the eye roll, foot stomp, and a big huff.
I admit I reacted poorly to the news. Adults are expected to handle tough situations gracefully, so I’ve compiled some advice for anyone else facing a similar scenario. You too can navigate this challenge like a true grown-up.
- Pretend to be excited about her move. Tell her how fantastic this “opportunity” is for her family.
- Try to convince yourself when she insists that the distance won’t change anything because “we don’t see each other every day anyway!”
- When she shares photos of the moving truck on social media, “like” them and comment with enthusiasm. Meanwhile, grab some tissues as you wipe the tears of sadness away. Chocolate can be a great source of comfort at this point.
- Research her new neighborhood and tell her about places that are supposedly identical to your favorite hangouts. She’ll likely see through this white lie but will appreciate the gesture.
- Praise her new location and exclaim how lucky she is to be moving there.
- If you find yourself crying during your farewell, attribute it to the shocking interest rates on their new mortgage instead of your heartache.
- Give her children a heartfelt hug for as long as possible. If they look uncomfortable, just claim you were trying to identify their new laundry detergent.
- Resist the urge to glare at her husband, who is indirectly responsible for this situation. Instead, express your excitement about him being more present for family activities.
- Put on your adulting hat and recognize that while this is tough for you, it’s even harder for her.
- Miss her dearly and don’t let distance dictate your friendship. Download every app possible to stay connected. Get your child to help you navigate these new technologies — and don’t forget to grab that chocolate stash.
While I hope you never have to say goodbye to a close friend, should it happen, you now know how to handle it with maturity. Being an adult can be challenging, but at least you can enjoy wine anytime you want, not just on Wednesdays.
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Summary
Handling a friend’s move can be emotionally challenging. It’s crucial to support them while acknowledging your own feelings. Through pretending to be supportive, staying connected, and embracing technology, you can maintain your friendship despite the distance. Remember, adulting isn’t always easy, but it’s manageable with the right approach.