<p>It won't be the same there. It sounds to me as though you and every one of your friends is engaging in differing versions of "last summer at home." It's sad to say it, but everyone is exploring a bit of life on their own, and loosening (just a bit) the bonds that held you together in high school. That'll only make you and each of them more ready to embrace new possibilities once you get to college.</p>
<p>Working, saving up money, exercising are all great ways to spend a summer. The luck of finding a boyfriend includes the pain of having to ditch him in September, or keep writing to him when it might be more appropriate to go off to college unburdened by an ongoing, longdistance relationship. Do you know how many people in freshman year sit in their rooms texting h.s. boyfriends and what opportunities are missed thereby? </p>
<p>It's easy for me to say "it'll be a short time until college begins" since I'm an adult and time feels different to young people than adults. We say the summer will zip by, but you feel it'll crawl along slowly. Either way, in less than three months, you'll have a whole new opportunity to make friends, male and female. You can also reframe things about yourself, somewhat; if you want to think about presenting a more positive, happy face as a freshman, go ahead and do it. Nobody will know your past and it's an opportunity to shed some bad old tired habits. </p>
<p>In answer to your last para, I don't think it will be the same. It can't be. But, as for "what am I supposed to do?" I'd say to be as light and pleasant as you can with old friends. Don't pick fights, which some people do in order to protect themselves from separating next fall. (as if to say, I'll reject you before you leave me so it won't hurt as much--a poor choice that surprisingly many make. In late August, old friends fight bizarrely, no need to do that!)</p>
<p>You could "do" nothing, just exactly what you're doing; after all, you're very productive here,saving money, toning your body...you'll be in great shape in September. But perhaps you can have a <em>little</em> bit of summer fun? Just take a picnic or beach moment, so the whole summer doesn't get by you without some summer memories, even with your family. Get outside, take a bike ride, be sure something new happens even if you just go explore a new neighborhood or see something "famous" from your region you've never gotten to do but tourists always go there. </p>
<p>I wouldn' begrudge your friend's new boyfriend. It might just be a casual summertime friendship, but it doesn't mean she can do this and you can't. She's just choosing to try her wings a bit sooner than you by a few months, that's all. You might be preferring to consolidate what you've got rather than make new relationships on your way out the door. I notice my S is not trying to make new friends this summer, just hang onto what he's got and simplify a bit too, so he can leave easier. He's also been visiting a lot of "old favorite" locations since he'll be going across the country and feels like he'll miss a lot of favorite haunts. Like you, he's doing more that centers himself and strengthens his inner self rather than branching out socially this summer. </p>
<p>If there are any social opportunities that are just about being in the present, in the here-and-now, that's what summer can be. If those come along, check them out, but if they don't, that's okay too because college is coming, as you say, "soon." </p>
<p>Some days you might feel sad because a chapter of your life is wrapping up. You're actually strengthening yourself for the big changes ahead. Don't worry but try not to be too sad. I find that ice cream helps ;) but then I'm not toning up for anything.</p>
<p>As John Lennon wrote, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." You never know...you might turn a corner on your way to the gym or work this summer and that's when you'll find something or someone amazing...or not. It could equally (and more likely) occur in line for registration at college next fall, because that's when you'll be surrounded with people similarly interested and open to new people and experiences. Will you have freshman orientation? That'll help for some things that concern you today.</p>
<p>You could look over your exercise program a bit. I'm not sure why exercise has to feel so solitary. I guess you go to a gym, or run, but something solo? Well, maybe there's a tennis clinic or community-based yoga class to add to your exercise program that's a bit friendlier, just for this summer? Remember you don't have to talk to potential boyfriends, just talk to "others" of every age and situation can help you feel less lonely. Don't not talk to old ladies, some of us are amazing and affirming, too, even if we're not boyfriends. Or young moms. Just talk to people without believing they have to be toned-up teenagers to warrant your attention! Try it, and if it feels dorky, try it again in a few years... poiny is: sometimes you get where you're trying to go by an indirect path. Life just happens. </p>
<p>You'll be fine! Don't worry.</p>