If you're reading this post, you either have a long distance best friend, or are one.. or are going to be one! Truth be told, there is no easy way to prepare for your BFF moving across the sea.... But if your currently preparing for it, or its about to happen, then i'm sure you will be able to relate to this post.
The well-known quote 'Side by side or miles apart.. Best friends will always be connected by heart' is so true. Distance does not and should not ruin TRUE friendships, if anything it should make them stronger and more exciting for the next time you will see each other again.
As we grow older and life finds new paths for each of us, many of us have to face dreaded goodbyes and see ya laters to our most treasured people. It is not always easy, but we must remember how lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
I guess after moving away a lot myself, to Liverpool for university for three years, to Ibiza for a season and now to Dublin to work and live with my boyfriend... I'm pretty good at goodbyes and almost professional at being someone else's long distance BFF. The good thing about being on that side though is that you get to move away to a new place that you've never been before, completely out of your comfort zone, and meet new people and friends. This does not replace your best friends at home, but opens your mind and heart to new people. The bad thing about now being on the other side of the goodbye, is that today, Australia has now gained what i have lost.. my lovely- crazy- funny BFF, Miss Edel Okane. This post is dedicated to you girlfriend, Miss you already.
Over the years i learned a ton about the beauty of these relationships and how the require a special set of rules in order to keep them strong. I've learned to really appreciate the few people who have stayed close over the miles and years and through the big, fat, life changes. I've learned that it's worth the work, the calls, the distance travelled in cars and on planes and the incessant texting.
Although the older generation of our time would disagree... Here's to FaceTime, Snapchat and Instagram direct message! These glorious inventions help us stay connected from worlds apart. They are good ways to let your bestie know that you are thinking of her. I know I'm not the only person who has gotten out of a university lecture or out of work and seen 20 text messages in a row and known not to panic and that its just your BFF updating you on her day. (You shudder to think what it was like to keep a long-distance friendship before the internet)
Time?
One thing that i know for sure is that no matter how much time you have together to prepare for them leaving it is never enough.
No matter if its all those years throughout school when you leave each other to attend different universities or if they decide to move to a different place for a job or a lover, or if they just want to explore and travel.. when the time comes to leave each other it never seems like you had long enough together. Although you are so excited for the journey they are about to go on, you can't help but feel sad that they won't be a drive away from you.
The only good thing about goodbyes with your long distance BFF, is that you know it is not permanent. Make the most of all the time you get to spend with your BFF because some people would give anything to be able to see theirs everyday.
Safe flight Edel, and here's to the next reunion.
Love, Caoimhe x
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