friendships

During the many times I’ve had a friend group fall out or grow apart, the following weeks certainly felt like a genuine loss. Yet grief seems to just be emblematic of the lasting love we had for our friends, and that is a comforting reminder that these relationships are worth pursuing.

At the end of the day, the times we make each other cry, scream or listen to the Minion’s choir will be the times we laugh about in the future — a future where we get to return to our own respective homes at the end of the day.

I’ve come to a point in my college career where if anyone were to deem me as a conditional choice, I would walk away and choose myself.

The weekend comes around, and suddenly, I don’t have so much time. It isn’t that I, or anyone else, intentionally let job postings expire without ever submitting a resume. I think the bottom line is the misperception of permanence — that things will always be there.

School and work can’t be used as a social crutch forever. Some of the closest friends I’ve made have been at apartment complexes or community center pools. The pool is America’s new third place, and what a refreshing one we need in this heat!

Although on the outside this phenomenon may appear sad or even regretful, I don’t think it’s anything to be ashamed of. Sure, “friends come and go,” but I’ve learned that they come and go for a reason.

While I’m still getting used to calling Berkeley my home, these are my experiences this semester. I want to offer some insight on the transition to other prospective transfers and also reflect on the growth and strength it takes to choose to take on a whole new journey.

My controversial take, however, is that long-distance friendships are sometimes a little more tricky to maintain than long-distance relationships. So here I am, creating this formal rulebook of the do’s and don’ts of long-distance friendships. 

Unfortunately, sorority girls are observant. Like I said, there are no secrets beyond our perfectly manicured lawns and Greek letters.