Why Saying Goodbye is Hard

When I was a kid, goodbyes meant nothing to me. Goodbyes were not sad nor happy, they’re just a word we say when we part ways. Back then I didn’t know the significant meaning that the word holds. I thought that people who leave will always come back; We can part ways and always meet again anytime we want. 

I guess that can still be the case, but when you’re an adult, goodbyes can feel final. 

 

We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, and what is in store for us. Everything has an ending whether we like it or not. We can outgrow people, places, and experiences. I know now that sometimes we have to leave things behind to move forward. 

Goodbyes can feel like a heavy weight being lifted off your chest but more often than not, goodbyes are hard, even when you are unhappy with what was. Goodbyes reminded you of what you had; the good times and happy memories stored in the back of your mind never opened till today. 

 

I understand that goodbyes are a part of life, that it happens inevitably - but a part of me still missed it. Even, if it weren’t perfect, leaving is always hard. We might enjoy what comes after, happy with where we stand after our goodbyes, but that doesn’t change the fact that leaving is hard. 

Even when we never want to go back to the past, goodbyes remind you of what you lost, the people – the experience – the feeling – a version of you.

At 21 I never thought that saying goodbye to my parents would be hard. I remember the times when I could not wait to get out of the house and have my own home. I guess I never thought of how special it is having your parents with you because I always took them for granted. 

 

I always thought of them as someone who will always be with me no matter where I am, but as you grow older you start to become your own person and they won’t be part of your life as much as they used to be. You start to have your own life, your own responsibilities, and your own plans that can no longer be shared with them. 

 

I never realized all those endearing moments would be memories that I will miss and love.

I miss being picked up after school,

The sound of talking and laughter in the living room,

the hugs and kisses,

and the joy in their eyes when they see me

 

I guess I miss their love. 

 

Being loved without having to be anything. 

Being loved even when I’m difficult and stubborn

Being loved simply because you are you

 

I miss my home, being young, and being who I was, but at the same time, I would never want to go back. I guess that’s why goodbyes are hard. It makes us feel like we’re abandoning something as goodbyes are more often than not, 

 

a choice 

 

But without goodbyes, we will never truly realize how beautiful our life is and how great we had it. 

 

XX, Girl On Paper