Change of cities, change of jobs, change of apartments, life is constantly changing and to be quite honest, I’ve never really been one who’s good with change.
As you’ll notice over the next few months there is going to be a lot of change on the blog as I update and revamp a few things, starting with my Monday posts. “Dash of Sparkle” posts were started to help add value and meaning to everyday life, so moving forward the “Dash of Sparkle” posts will be tips and tricks of mastering everyday life after college. From things I have learned through my experiences to things I have taught myself by learning from others.
Between a revamp and an updated series, change can be a great thing but that’s not always the case.
Going to college I had the mindset of I’ll meet a few friends here and there, but at the end of the day my highschool and gradeschool friends are the ones that will be with me through the end. But boy was I wrong?
Although my highschool and graedschool friends are definitely not going anywhere anytime soon, neither are my college friends. From being snowed in together for days to sorority formals, these girls have helped make some of my favorite memories and have collected some major black mail on me along the way. I mean what are true friends for, right?
And while they always say 4 years flies by fast, man were they right. I felt like just yesterday I was introducing myself and next thing I know we were all departing off for careers in different cities. It’s never easy saying goodbye and changing to a place where you don’t know anybody, but it’s also never a reason to loose connection. Although 2 years have gone by and we’re all miles apart, it still feels like yesterday we put our snow boots on and hiked through 2 feet of snow to go to the bars at noon on a Tuesday after classes got cancelled. True dedication there.
Staying connected can be hard, but with a little effort on both ends it’s definitely do-able. So although we’re miles apart we still make an effort to keep tabs on where each other is and support each other when needed.
So while finding a new job in a new city is great, finding friendships that will last a lifetime is unbeatable so I’m sharing my top 5 ways to keep the connection with friends after college.
1. Pick up the Phone
Easy enough, right? In today’s fast pace world we find it so easy to send someone a text or quick e-mail instead of actually picking up the phone and calling them. While that may be the fast way, a phone call is the more meaningful way to keep the connection. Someone isn’t going to tell you their life story over a text or share their emotion/reaction to something this way so a simple phone call makes the world of difference when trying to stay connected.
2. Creep on Their Social Media
I know this one sounds a little ridiculous, but sometimes your friends aren’t going to tell you every thing they are up to or doing so a quick check on their social media is a great way to start a conversation and see how they’re doing. If they put up a picture of someone who visited them, send a text or give them a call to check in how the visit was, etc.
3. Go the Distance
I know many times it’s hard to find the time or money to go visit a friend, but you have to make the effort. Whether that’s finding a half way point or both going back for a college event, making the effort to see each other is key since it most likely won’t happen on its own anymore.
4. Send a Letter
Call me old fashion, but I love a good snail mail. Nothing beats getting a letter in the mail from a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Plus, with all the cute card shops constantly popping up it’s the perfect excuse to buy that cute blank card to send a note and say hello or share some words of encouragement.
5. Have Fun
Because that’s what friends are for anyways! Whether it’s a short visit or quick phone call, make the most of it and have fun together because when you only see each other a few times a year, there’s not time for negativity or gossip and who wants those things anyways. Plan a fun girls trip or chat over the phone about how funny the lastest New Girl episode was.
Have a question or something you’ve always wanted to know? Add you question below to be featured in next week’s “Dash of Sparkle”!
