Life can be unpredictable. Nobody knows what tomorrow brings and this is both frightening and exhilarating. One day you’re promising your best friend you’ll be by their side forever and the next they’re informing you that they have to move far away. It may be because of a job, changes in the family, or for personal reasons.
Is your best friend moving away? Here’s how to deal with the situation.
1. Discuss the Move
Make time to sit down with your friend and discuss their upcoming move. You can take a walk in the park, or have a drink in your favorite bar. The idea is to have an open conversation about how you’ll deal with the impending changes. A close friend moving away is a heart-wrenching affair. Be honest with each other and don’t hide and feelings or details that may lead to misunderstandings later.
2. Listen
The tone of the conversation you’ll have will be hinged on the main reasons for your friend’s departure. If they’re moving for happy reasons such as marriage, then they’ll be excited about the move. You should do your best to share in their excitement even if you’re saddened by the move. If they’re moving for a sad reason, sympathize with them and share in their grief. Lend your ear to their hopes, worries, and expectations regarding the move.
3. Accept Their Decision
You need to realize that your best friend has already made their decision and there’s not much you can do to change their mind. Accepting the fact that they have to move is the best way to deal with the situation. Refusing to accept reality will only make things harder for the both of you. Support their decision 100%.
4. Help with The Move
Moving can be a stressful undertaking. You should offer to help your friend sort out and pack their stuff. You might also want to help with the search for reliable Toronto movers. Ask them to prepare a checklist of the stuff they need to get done so you can help complete some of the tasks.
5. Throw a Farewell Party
A farewell party is a great way to mark the beginning of a new chapter in your best friend’s life. Invite all your mutual friends so that your best friend has the chance to talk to them before the move. Allow everyone in attendance to give a speech and bid their friend farewell.
6. Buy Your Friend a Gift
You might want to get your friend a gift that they can remember you by. It should be something sentimental that reminds them specifically of you. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive. You could also just make something yourself. You could write a poem, create a gift card, compose a song, or create a piece of art. You could also buy a book, a potted plant, framed artwork, or anything else that your best friend really likes.
7. Promise to Keep in Touch
This is not the end of your friendship. Your best friend is just moving away to another city or country and you can still keep in touch and meet whenever possible. You can call them, send letters, send emails, or talk via instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp. Social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are also a great way to stay connected.
