Buzz
Although maintaining a long-distance friendship may initially seem overwhelming, it doesn't have to be as stressful as you might think. In fact, there are several effective ways to keep your relationship with your best friend thriving and close, no matter the physical distance between you. The key is staying in touch. This article will explore a few ideas on how to maintain your bond, whether with friends who live abroad or even those you've met online.
Steps
Maintaining Communication
Stay connected with your friends daily, or as often as possible, and check in on how they’re doing. Ask about their daily life, whether it's school, work, or personal relationships. Even if they've made new friends, make sure you offer your support and listen to any challenges they face. Always be there for them, and try to respond to their messages promptly.
- Even if you’re busy, make the effort to stay in touch with your friends.
- Ensure you feel comfortable reaching out to them. It's important that you don’t feel like you’re intruding or that it’s awkward to contact them.
- Extend an open invitation for them to stay in touch with you as well. You might say something like, "I miss you and would love to catch up soon."
- Reader Poll: We surveyed 404 Mytour readers who have experienced long-distance friendships, and 69% of them reported that they enjoy checking in with their friends every day. [Take Poll]
Call your friend(s) regularly. When you make the call, try to sound upbeat and positive, so they stay engaged in the conversation. Ask about their life, and listen patiently when they talk about challenges, whether it’s a problem with a friend, teacher, or even a crush. Offer support in any way you can—help with studies, share useful websites, or provide resources. For example, if your best friend is pursuing a career in medicine, tell them about a new website that could aid their studies. These small gestures will show your friend how much you care about them.
Make use of various technology to stay connected. With smartphones, tablets, and computers, plus apps like Skype and FaceTime, it’s easier than ever to keep in touch. Choose a communication platform that works best for both of you, and be sure to include fun moments. Try re-enacting a special handshake or telling a joke that will make your friend laugh—seeing their joy will make you feel happy too. Don’t forget to share a meal or snack together during a video call, making it feel like you're sitting side by side.
- If you both enjoy gaming, consider getting the same game and playing together weekly, especially multiplayer games where you can team up as a group.
Write letters. A letter can carry much more sentimental value than a quick text message. Remember the excitement of opening your mailbox to find a letter from your best friend? This method can be even more meaningful if you’re both in the same country, although it may be costly for international postage.
Send your friend a postcard. Share a unique local spot with them, or send a small gift that will surely bring a smile to their face.
Send a thoughtful present occasionally. Receiving a gift from a friend is always a delightful experience. Sending something personal to your friend shows how much you care about them. Don't forget to celebrate birthdays and special occasions. You can also send funny old photos of you and your friends to relive some good memories and make them laugh.
Make an effort to see your friend whenever you can. Even if it’s just once a year, the time you spend together will be precious and memorable, making it worth the wait.
Maintaining Your Friendship through Conversations
Discuss topics that both of you are passionate about. Take an interest in each other’s hobbies, whether it’s drawing, painting, singing, dancing, writing poems, origami, or collecting items. Share photos or videos of your activities to keep the connection alive, especially when managing a long-distance friendship.
Update your friend on recent events. Whether it’s something new in your life, theirs, or even something in the news, talking about recent events can feel very personal and engaging, helping you stay connected.
Check in and ask how your friend is doing. Offering your help when needed can be greatly appreciated, showing that you care and are there for them.
Make plans to reunite in the future. Talk about the activities you both would love to do together when you can finally meet. This gives you both something to look forward to and helps maintain a positive outlook for the future.
Plan activities that you can both enjoy and schedule a phone date to talk about them. Being apart doesn’t mean you can’t share experiences. Whether it’s a book, TV show, movie, or new exercise routine, find something both of you can enjoy separately, but still connect over. This gives you more to talk about than just the distance between you.
Stay true to yourself. When you’re no longer seeing your best friend every day, it’s easy to think things have changed. But while some things may have, the way you talk to and treat each other should remain the same. You’re both the same people, even if you're not in the same place. It’s up to you to keep the bond strong, or even make it stronger than before!
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It’s not necessary to talk every day, but try to check in at least every few days or weeks. Find a time that works for both you and your friend, and make sure neither of you misses this call or video chat.
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Avoid talking too much about how much you miss each other because of the distance. Focusing on this might make the gap feel even wider.
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Share what you want to tell your friend, but make sure to also listen to what they want to share with you.
Warnings
- Don’t expect everything to stay the same after you or your friend move away. Things will inevitably change, but that doesn’t necessarily mean for the worse. Set a regular time to reach out, like once a week or every two weeks, if they don’t message you first. Keeping in touch will ensure they don’t feel neglected.
- Don’t expect an immediate reply every time you send a message. Give your friend some time to respond. If they don’t reply right away, it doesn’t mean they no longer want to be your friend; they may simply be taking their time to craft a thoughtful response.
- It’s normal for your friendship to experience some challenges due to the distance. That’s part of the process. Best friends can go a year without talking and still reconnect as if no time has passed. Don’t worry about it.
- Don’t forget to check in with your friend, even if you’ve made new friends. Update them now and then, especially when something important or exciting happens in your life. If they’ve been part of something special, they’ll appreciate being included.
- As hard as it might be, sometimes it’s necessary to give them space and make new connections where you live now. It might be difficult, but it's a natural part of life.
Things You'll Need
- Communication tools (phone, tablet, computer, etc.)
- Keepsakes from your BFF, such as a bracelet, shirt, or other gifts they gave you to help you remember them.
