Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

Friendship is a funny thing, but also a magical one. When you were young, your friends were often schoolmates, other children with whom you shared the joys and pains of growing up. Now that you are all grown up, your friends encompass all different categories, from work colleagues and favorite neighbors to the boys and girls (now men and women) you grew up with. Even so, your closest friends are probably close in proximity as well as relationships.

When a trusted friend moves away for work, retirement or a different way of life, it can seem like a piece of your past is being ripped away. All the memories you shared, all the heartaches you endured and all the good times you enjoyed are soon to be packed up and moved away, but you do not have to let distance ruin a perfectly good friendship.

Saying goodbye to an old friend is never an easy thing to do, but your friend is just moving away, and there are plenty of ways to keep in touch no matter how many miles lie in between. The best friendships are the ones that endure, and you and your old friend can continue to share life triumphs and tribulations.

Give Your Old Friend the Proper Sendoff 

If your old friend is moving away, you need to provide the proper sendoff. Hosting a going away party is a great way to show your friend how much you care, and how much their daily presence will be missed.

When planning that going away party, you will need to consider a number of factors, including the nature of your friend and your friendship. Is your friend outgoing and gregarious, or quiet and reserved? Would they prefer a huge gathering of neighbors, friends and coworkers, or a simple evening meal with a few close friends? After all, it is your friend's party, and you want to provide a celebration they are sure to love.

Hosting a going away party means shopping for going away gifts, so choose presents that will be appreciated and used. The ideas are nearly endless, and once again, it is important to choose gifts that reflect your friend's style, tastes and preferences. Is there a great restaurant in the town your old friend will soon be calling home? If so, a gift card to that restaurant could be the perfect present. Does your old friend have a favorite food that is only available locally? A gift box filled with those tasty treats can provide the perfect sendoff. Your friend is sure to enjoy your generosity - and your good taste.

Ongoing Support

Your old friend is not just moving to a new town; they are embarking on a new phase of life. Whether that new phase is retirement or a brand new career, providing ongoing support will make the transition smoother and easier. If you are already retired, you provide help and guidance to your soon to be retired best friend. If you have recently started your own new job, sharing your experiences can ease your friend's fear and smooth the way to a great new career.

Staying in Touch

These days moving away does not have to mean going away, and there are plenty of ways to keep in touch no matter how many miles now separate you. Social media is an obvious place to start, and a great way to stay in touch and share personal information across town or across the country. You can also use Skype, FaceTime and other applications to chat face to face even when you are on the other end of the country. Sharing updates and keeping in touch are easier than ever, giving you one more reason to stay in touch - and stay friends.

Maintaining a close friendship across the miles is not always easy, but it is rewarding and worthwhile. If an old friend is moving away, you do not have to let that move be the end of your friendship. To the contrary, you can take steps to make sure moving away does not mean going away.