You know those friends where you haven’t seen each other in years but when you do it feels like no time has passed? That’s how the weekend was and it was wonderful, but I also did a lot of thinking. I realized that social media is a great way to feel like you are staying in touch with friends without really staying in touch. I see when someone is in a relationship, engaged, married, has a new job, walked their dog in the park, or ate at a cool restaurant but it’s really a bit of an illusion. It makes it seem like I am in touch – I know they moved jobs, got an adorable puppy, or finished a year of law school but I’m not reaching out. Social media is a highlight reel. Most people aren’t going to post about a breakup, bad day, or fear that they don’t quite have their shit together. People usually only post about the good things that are going on and, as a friend, you should be there for the ups and the downs. This year I want to get better at staying in touch after college.
This weekend was GW’s alumni weekend. I’ve had weddings and other events the last two years, so I was so excited to be able to attend this year. It was also a special weekend because it was my sorority’s 90th anniversary at GW. We had a happy hour, cocktail reception, and alumni brunch at the house. I had such an amazing weekend seeing friends, visiting campus, and reminiscing.
I’m going to use this weekend as the perfect way to start actually staying in touch with the friends I saw this weekend and the ones that I didn’t. I’m going to visit more, text more, email more and make sure that I’m not just liking a photo or commenting on a status. I’m so glad that I had this reality check over the weekend.
I wish I had known this when I first graduated from college but luckily it’s not too late! (P.S. If anyone has good tips for staying in touch please let me know!)
