Written by Mariko (she/her), student
Whether you’re moving away from home for the first time to start university, moving to a new city for co-op, or just watching all your friends move away, long-distance friendships are bound to happen at some point in your life.
While these friendships can be more challenging, they don't have to be impossible! Here are a few tips on how to stay connected when the physical distance between you and your friends grows.
How to keep your friends and family close
Skype can bridge the distance
With modern technology, it can feel like you’re in the same room with your friend! Seeing them face-to-face can really help close the distance between you. Don’t be afraid to schedule these video call dates, or even make them a weekly habit.
Google Hangouts for group video chats
Google Hangouts has a great video call feature that allows multiple people to call and join at the same time! Organize a time to call your whole family or friend group all at once, and it’ll be like you’re all back together again.
Take pictures for them
When moving away there are tons of new experiences to live! Document your experiences through photos and share them with your friends through social media to share your excitement! Sending pictures to each other directly can feel much more intimate than posting it on your snap or Instagram story.
Taking the time to write a card or a letter shows... that you really care
Send a letter or a card
There’s something to be said about old-fashioned snail mail. It can be a really nice surprise to get a piece of physical mail when you’re in a new place. Taking the time to write a card or a letter shows friends and family that you really care. You can even enclose a photo or souvenir from your experiences.
Plan get-togethers
No matter how long it is until you’ll all be in the same city, it can be really helpful to plan little get-togethers to look forward to. If you know you’ll all be together at Thanksgiving, plan a visit to a pumpkin patch. If it’s the Christmas break, plan a holiday Secret Santa event. This gives everyone something to look forward to.
Visit each other
If your cities aren’t too far away, it can be a really nice gesture to visit friends and family in their cities! Spend a weekend with them and see their new life through their eyes!
Physical distance between you doesn’t mean distance in the friendship as well
Make annual traditions
If you’re long distance for the long haul, it can be helpful to create regular traditions to get together every year. This could be a holiday party, an annual spring brunch, or birthday dinner. No matter what happens that year, you still know you’ll be getting together at least once. It can be something to look forward to, especially if you haven’t spoken in a while.
Distance can be scary in any relationship. It’s work on both ends, but it can be rewarding as well. The physical distance between you doesn't mean distance in the friendship as well!
