So you’re moving here, right?

I didn’t realize until I got to California that one of the major tasks in moving across the country is harassing everyone you know to move too. I had a few friends out west and typically every couple of times we talked I would get the “so, when are you coming to visit” or “want me to start looking for apartments for you?” questions. I wasn’t in a position to move until I graduated my MBA program. But once in possession of my rockstar business degree, I knew I wasn’t going to thrive in tiny central Florida.

So I packed my bags and drove across the country. I had prepared myself for the time change and having to switch to a far better phone plan in order to maintain my friendships (which was really just an excuse to get a phat new phone). But I wasn’t prepared to start asking everyone I knew to come visit. Somehow or another I started hearing those sentences pour out of my mouth…”So, you wanna come for Christmas?” “I have a couch you can crash on.” and “Why don’t you schedule your layover through Oakland?”

I have wonderful friends here who keep me completely busy, but something about having your far away friends and family come visit really makes it home. There is an acknowledgement that this is where your new life is that gives you a final sense of belonging. So the next time your west coast friend calls for a chat and slips in the “wanna come live with me” line, just know that you’re a valued part of that person’s life. Then book a ticket to come visit.