They say long-distance relationships never work. But, when it comes to friendships, I wholeheartedly disagree. While making long-distance friendships work is no easy feat, it’s always worth it when you see your bestie’s smile on a video call, or in person when you finally get to meet up.
With a little effort, creativity, and a commitment to understanding, your friendships can survive the distance. And, as a bonus, it will strengthen your bond, no matter what happens.
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Don’t underestimate the power of communication
In the absence of regular face-to-face interaction, communication becomes the cornerstone of long-distance friendships.
- Schedule regular catch-ups: Whether it’s a weekly video call, a monthly voice chat, or a quick email check-in, dedicate time to truly connect and actively listen to each other’s updates. Go beyond the “How are you?” routine and delve deeper. Ask open-ended questions about their work, relationships, passions, and even the mundane details of their day.
- Don’t be afraid to break the ice: Don’t wait for meaningful events to reach out. Share everyday moments – a funny observation about your commute, a beautiful picture of your local park, or even a random thought about a book you’re reading. These snippets of life, shared consistently, help maintain a sense of connection and intimacy.
- Go beyond text: While texts are convenient, prioritise video calls or voice chats whenever possible. Hearing each other’s voices and seeing facial expressions adds depth and warmth to conversations, fostering a deeper connection than text alone can provide.
Find new ways to spend time together (virtually)
Technology offers a plethora of ways to share experiences, even from afar:
- Watch movies or shows simultaneously: Choose something you enjoy, then share your thoughts and reactions in real-time through chat or video call. Make it interactive by creating watch parties with online tools that allow synchronised playback and shared reactions.
- Play online games: From board games like Codenames or Scrabble to collaborative adventures like Minecraft, online platforms offer an opportunity to interact and have fun together virtually.
- Do a virtual book club: Pick a book you’re both interested in, read it together, and schedule discussions online to share your thoughts and interpretations. You can even take it a step further and host virtual book club gatherings with other mutual friends, fostering a sense of community even when miles apart.
- Embrace new forms of communication: Explore the world of virtual experiences! From attending online concerts and museum tours to taking virtual cooking classes together, these experiences can be a fun and unique way to connect and create new memories.
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Celebrate each other’s milestones
Distance shouldn’t diminish the joy of celebrating each other’s triumphs. Sending a thoughtful gift, a personalised card, or simply recording a congratulatory message can show your support and brighten your day. Celebrate big promotions, graduations, or personal milestones enthusiastically, even if you can’t be there physically. Remember, celebrating their accomplishments shows you care, even when miles apart.
Plan in-person reunions:
While virtual connections are essential, aim to schedule in-person visits when feasible. Plan a weekend getaway, a joint vacation, or even meet halfway between your locations. These face-to-face interactions can significantly strengthen your bond. Allow yourselves to truly reconnect, reminisce about old times, and create new shared memories.
Embrace change and be understanding
Life throws curveballs, and long-distance friendships are no exception. Be understanding as your lives evolve and adapt to each other’s new realities. This could involve changes in schedules, major life events, or new priorities. This is where good communication comes in. Talk openly and honestly about these changes, and find ways to adapt and support each other through life’s various stages.
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