As adults, life often throws us curveballs. My circle of friends has become my anchor—those who can drop by unannounced, ladies who surprise me with cupcakes for no reason, and friends who instinctively know what to do in tough times. I cherish this bond. I enjoy our spontaneous backyard gatherings, our cherished “Wine Wednesdays,” and those impromptu visits just to say hi.
But when my dear friend, Mia, announced her family’s move to another state, I found myself struggling to cope. There’s a valid reason behind her decision; her husband, Jake, travels frequently for work, leaving Mia to juggle everything at home. While I understand the necessity of their move, it doesn’t soften the blow for me. Cue the eye roll and the inevitable foot stomp. “Fine, make adult decisions. I’ll just sulk over here,” I thought.
Feeling lost and heartbroken, I realized that even grown-ups struggle with tough news like this. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some tips to navigate this emotional rollercoaster with maturity:
- Pretend to be thrilled about her new adventure. Tell her how excited you are for this “incredible opportunity.”
- Try to believe her reassurances that this won’t change your friendship—after all, you don’t see each other every day anyway!
- Engage with her social media posts about the moving process. When she shares pictures of the moving truck, like the post and comment, “So exciting!” Then grab a tissue to wipe away the tears.
- Research her new area and highlight all the places that supposedly resemble your local haunts. She’ll likely see through the exaggeration, but the sentiment counts.
- Express envy over her new location, telling her how awesome it sounds and how lucky she is to be moving.
- When it’s time to say goodbye, and the tears are flowing, blame your emotions on the interest rate of their new mortgage instead.
- Give her kids a long, tight hug. If it becomes awkward, make up a silly excuse about trying to identify the new laundry detergent they’re using.
- Resist the urge to glare at her husband, Jake, when you see him, remembering that this situation is hard on them both. Instead, express how glad you are that he’ll be around for more family activities.
- Realize that her struggle is greater than yours, even if it feels tough right now.
- Miss her fiercely, but don’t let distance derail your friendship. Download every app available for communication and have your kid show you how to use them. And don’t forget that chocolate is your best friend during this time.
While I hope you never have to face the heartache of a close friend moving away, you now have a plan to tackle the situation like an adult. Being a grown-up can be challenging, but at least you can enjoy a glass of wine whenever you need it—not just on Wednesdays.
For more advice on navigating changes in relationships and other insights, check out this blog post. If you’re considering expanding your family and need resources for home insemination, visit Mount Sinai’s excellent resource on infertility. And for those looking for at-home insemination kits, this reputable retailer offers a variety of options.
In summary, change is tough, but it can be managed with grace and humor. Cherish your friendships, stay connected, and remember that distance doesn’t have to mean the end.
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