I know that it's common for a lot of Americans to head off to different parts of the country for college, then repeat the process again after graduation. Does this make it more difficult to develop close friendships?

I feel like I never really know if a friendship is "close" until time & distance test it, in the first place.

Homecomings can be sweet, Christmas in my town is like a gigantic reunion, but after awhile even the people who stuck near home are different. Kids & careers change people.

That said - there is a "core" group of us from as far back as elementary school, who will meet up in Philly or New York or a kayaking river or a bar with UFC on, even in our thirties.

Having shared experiences & hobbies which translate well into adulthood, probably affect how many of your friendships carry on into adulthood.

Also, people do travel. Sometimes they call. Sometimes an hours' drive .... isn't so bad when you can sit in a bar with a very old friend, drinking beer from your hometown to make a strange city more familiar.

It depends, i guess, having a network of old friends spread out across the country isn't the same as "loosing" your friends.

Time changes people. But some hometowns....also instill a common bond.

/r/AskAnAmerican Thread