Q: I’m afraid my best friends and I will drift apart over the summer. How do I make sure that that doesn’t happen?
Dear Reader,
That’s such a real and valid fear—especially when you’ve formed close friendships that are a big part of your everyday life. When summer break rolls around and everyone scatters to different places, it’s totally normal to worry about growing distant. But the fact that you’re already thinking about this shows just how much your friendships mean to you, and that’s a good sign you’ll find ways to keep those bonds strong.
Staying connected might take a little more effort during the summer, but it’s definitely doable. One of the easiest ways to stay in touch is by keeping your group chat active. It doesn’t have to be deep or serious all the time—send funny TikToks, random thoughts, updates about your day or inside jokes. That kind of casual, consistent communication helps things feel normal even when you’re far apart.
You can also plan regular FaceTime or video call catch-ups—maybe even make it a weekly or biweekly thing. Think of it like a virtual hangout, where you can all share what you’ve been up to, talk about summer plans or just chill and laugh together. You could even have themed nights like movie watch parties or game nights.
Plan ahead for in-person hangouts, if you can. Summer tends to fly by, and it’s easy to let weeks slip away without seeing each other if you don’t put something on the calendar. Try to schedule a few days to hang out, whatever that means for your group. And if visits aren’t possible, you could still plan something fun for right after summer ends. Having something to look forward to can help keep everyone excited and connected.
My biggest piece of advice: be honest with your friends. If you’re feeling anxious about drifting apart, share that with them. Chances are, they might be feeling the same way and will be relieved to hear that you care enough to bring it up. That kind of honesty can strengthen your bond and lead to a conversation where you all agree on how you want to stay in touch. Even just knowing that everyone’s on the same page can ease a lot of those fears.
And finally, remember to stay in touch with intention. You don’t have to talk every single day—that’s not realistic, and it’s okay to have space. But maybe set a personal goal to check in at least once every week or two. Even a quick “thinking of you” text can go a long way in showing someone you care.
Friendships do take effort to maintain, but they’re worth it—and if you and your friends are willing to put in a little time and care, your bond can stay strong no matter where summer takes you.
Wishing you an incredible summer,
Annabel Groseclose ‘27
