Back to Visit: A User’s Guide

By Lev Novak

Visiting your parents after college can feel a little bit like falling into a time machine. And, like any time machine, the results can be awesome or awful.

So, understand that visiting back home can be weird and difficult for lots of people. It can, however, be great.

1. Set It Up

The first thing you’re going to want to do is plan your visit. Even- or especially- if you live nearby, it’s crucial to figure out a specific plan. Two days is plenty to see the folks. Three days is a good, long visit, assuming you have a few other things to do in the area. Four makes sense if you have lots of things to do while back home, including, but not limited to: multiple friends, a specific party you really should go to, and an attractive ex who has been sending you personalized snapchats with at least two (2) emojis.

Do not visit for five days or more.

When you set up a specific day-barrier like that, it does a few things. It lets your parents know what to expect from you, and it lets you know what to expect for them. While five days or more is a stretch, it works the other way too. If you’re trying to see friends, hit a party, see an ex and more, two days might feel like too short a visit. Your parents will feel stiffed, the issue will become awkward, and that’s a whole thing.

2. Pre-emptive Highlights

Do you like to play chess with your Dad? Is your Mom super fun to drink with? Do you miss taking your dog for long, lazy walks?

Do these things.

It sounds obvious now, but when you go back to visit, it’s easy to have no plan. You might assume things will just happen like they used to, but keep in mind: those highlights come from years and years of living. If you’re back for a long weekend, a little more effort is required.

3. Supplies

Whatever you most will miss when you’re at home you should bring or make your peace with their absence.

If you’re used to late night food options as a late-night worker, be aware: there are no good falafel places in the suburbs that stay open past ten. If you’re used to puffing a little bit of medicinal before bed, understand it’s going to be really awkward to ask your parents if they know a guy.

Little things will be missing when you return home- from your significant other, to your friends, to even the situation you’re used to. With a little planning, though, you’ll be fine.

4. Enjoy

Bask in it. If you do it right, you’re going to have a nice break from your regular life, be thanked, and feel like a good person. It’s a decent use of a weekend where you have no parties to go to.

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