what to say to a friend who is moving away

2 min read 23-12-2024

what to say to a friend who is moving away

Saying Goodbye: What to Say to a Friend Moving Away

Saying goodbye to a close friend who's moving away is never easy. It's a bittersweet moment filled with a mix of sadness, excitement for their new adventure, and the lingering uncertainty of maintaining a friendship across the miles. Finding the right words to express your feelings can be challenging, so let's explore some options to make the farewell more meaningful.

Acknowledging the Big Change

Your friend's move is a significant life event. Start by acknowledging this, validating their feelings, and showing empathy. Avoid minimizing their emotions with phrases like "It's not that far" or "You'll be back soon." Instead, try these approaches:

"This is a huge change, and I know it's probably bittersweet for you." This directly addresses the emotional complexity of the situation.
"I'm so excited for this new chapter in your life, but also sad to see you go." This honestly reflects the dual emotions you likely feel.
"Moving is never easy, so I'm here for you if you need anything at all." This offers practical and emotional support.

Focusing on the Future

While acknowledging the sadness is important, focusing on the future helps maintain a positive outlook and strengthens your bond for the long term. Consider these options:

"Let's make sure we stay in touch! We can schedule regular video calls or even plan a visit." Propose concrete plans to maintain contact.
"I'm really going to miss our [shared activity, e.g., coffee dates, hiking trips], but I'm excited to hear all about your new adventures." This reminds you of shared memories while looking forward to future updates.
"I know distance can be tough, but our friendship is strong enough to overcome it." Reinforces the strength of your relationship and your commitment to it.

Creating Lasting Memories

The best farewells often involve creating lasting memories before the move. Here are some ideas:

"Let's have one last [shared activity] before you leave!" This creates a concrete plan to celebrate your friendship.
"I'd love to take you out for a special dinner/lunch/drinks before you go." A shared meal is a classic way to mark a significant occasion.
"Let's make a photo album/scrapbook of all our memories together." A tangible keepsake to cherish.

What NOT to Say

Avoid these phrases that can inadvertently minimize your friend's feelings or make the goodbye more awkward:

"It's just a move, you'll be fine." This discounts their feelings and makes the situation seem less significant.
"Don't worry, you'll make new friends." This implies that your friendship is easily replaceable.
"You'll be back soon, right?" Putting pressure on them to return prematurely can create added stress.

Maintaining the Friendship After the Move

The most important part is to actively work on maintaining your friendship despite the distance. Consider these strategies:

Schedule regular video calls.
Send thoughtful messages and cards.
Plan visits, even if they're infrequent.
Share important life updates and milestones.
Participate in online group activities.

Saying goodbye to a friend moving away is emotional, but by expressing your feelings honestly, focusing on the future, and making plans to stay connected, you can ensure that your friendship endures. Remember that true friendship transcends physical distance.