Life can be a real bummer sometimes but never more so than when your best friend announces that she and her family are moving away. Sure, it’s going to be tough for her starting a new school in a new place where she knows no-one but what about you? Who are you going to hang out with duringrecess time? Who are you going to confess those secret crushes too and whose wardrobe are you going to raid before you go out on Saturday night?

So what to do? While sitting in your room moping for the rest of your school days may seem like the best option it’s hardly realistic. Instead, why not think of creative ways you and your friend can stay in touch while at the same time, exploring your other friendship options. Just because your best friend has moved away doesn’t mean you (or she) must remain friendless forever...

IT’S GOOD TO TALK...

* SMS each other daily - maybe at a certain time of day (after ‘Charmed or Smallville is always good)

* Regular emails for regular gossip updates - or if your home computer is hooked up for it, Yahoo or MSN Messenger so both you and she can chat online in real time.

* Old fashioned cards and letters - it may be time-consuming but there’s nothing better, or more thoughtful, than receiving something handwritten via snail mail.

* Pick up the phone - after all “it’s good to talk” - just check with the bill-payer first though OK?

HANGIN’ OUT

Just because your friend has moved doesn’t mean you’ll never see one another again. Make a deal with both your parents to invite each other to stay during holidays. You still get to hang out and, added bonus, you get to meet cool new friends (and cute guys!) in another part of the country.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW...

Friendships grow and change throughout life so while your friend moving may seem like a major trauma at the moment, you could just look on it as a new phase of your relationship. If you truly are best buddies, your friendship will survive the move. Also, this is a golden opportunity to explore new friendships - after all, who made the law that you could only have one close friend in your life?

* Spend quality time with your other friends.

* Meet new people through sport, a club or a hobby.

* Talk to the new girl or guy at school - who knows, you could make yourself a cool new friend if you give them a chance.

* Give people a chance - you never know who could become a new friend if you actually take time out to talk to different people...