Maintaining long-distance friendships can be tricky. Whether one of you has moved for work, studies or travel, it’s natural to drift apart when you don’t see each other as much. But that doesn’t mean you should wait until you’re reunited – or give up on your bond altogether.
After all, it’s not been long since we were forced to put all our in-person interactions on pause. A YouGov survey taken mid-pandemic found that six in ten of us have ten or fewer friends – and that number shrinks as we get older. But successive lockdowns showed us ways to sustain our connections virtually, as well as the joys of meeting in person when possible.
So if your friendship is one that’s worth fighting for, here’s how you can keep it alive while miles apart!
Dedicate regular time
Committing to regularly scheduled catchups is crucial for keeping any friendship alive. You might not need to communicate daily, but getting into a rhythm – whether it’s weekly or monthly – will help keep your bond strong.
You could schedule phone or video calls, making sure you don’t let too much time doesn’t slip by in-between. Could you pencil in a Sunday afternoon walk-and-talk, for example, or catch up on a mid-week lunch break?
Connect online
The digital era has transformed how we manage long-distance relationships of all kinds. Platforms like WhatsApp, Zoom and social media allow for messaging and calls in an instant, wherever you may be. All you need is a good signal or internet connection!
If you want to make things more interesting, how about watching the same movie together in your respective homes? Alternatively, meet up in an online game for some friendly competition or collaboration. Try online bingo if a prize would sweeten the deal!
Arrange in-person trips
As we’ve covered, calls and online catchups can go a long way. But meeting in person occasionally is still among the most effective ways to stay far-flung friends.
Planning trips together, whether revisiting familiar cities or exploring new ones, allows you to share old memories and create new ones. Even if it’s not possible to meet often, having an adventure to look forward to will keep that familiarity alive!
Be there for the big things in life
Making the effort to be present for significant life events like birthdays, weddings or even tough times can show that you’re in it for the long haul.
Even if you can’t always be there in person, sending thoughtful messages or gifts will remind them how much you care. Let them know they can reach out to you whenever they need to.
Could you be doing more to maintain your friendships? Living further apart may present challenges, especially if you’re used to spending lots of time together. But through some mutual effort and creativity, these bonds can survive and flourish!