Long-Distance Friendship Survival Guide: Tips for Staying Connected
My husband and I moved halfway across the country about 9 years ago barely knowing anyone and having zero family nearby. Probably the most painful part, besides moving far away from my parents, was leaving my best friend.
She was always the one person who understood and accepted every part of who I am. I could talk to her about anything and everything; she really was my person (and vice-versa). It was really difficult to leave that friendship and go to a completely new state and start all over again with new friends. Honestly, I didn’t do a good job keeping in touch with her and now we barely talk. It bums me out some days so I wrote this blog post on maintaining long-distance friendships in hopes other people can continue their strong friendship bonds, no matter where they are in the world.
Not going to lie, maintaining long-distance friendships can be challenging, but with intentional effort and creativity, it's possible to foster strong connections even if you’re an hour away or on the other side of the country. Below are some tips to help you navigate the nuances of long-distance friendships. Keep reading for some fun gifts you can get your long-distance friend:
Regular Communication 📞
Schedule regular catch-up sessions through video calls, phone calls, or even simply text each other! Consistent communication helps bridge the gap and keeps the friendship alive.
Create Shared Experiences 🎭
Despite the physical distance, find ways to create shared experiences. Watch the same movie or TV show, read the same book, or play online games together. This can give you common ground for discussions and bring a sense of closeness.
Send Snail Mail 📬
Surprise your friend with handwritten letters, postcards, or care packages. Tangible reminders of your friendship can be meaningful and show that you've taken the time to make them feel special.
Virtual Events 💻
Organize virtual events such as game nights, online classes, or virtual movie marathons. This allows you to spend time together, even if you're physically apart.
Plan Visits 🏡
Whenever possible, plan visits to see each other. Having a future date to look forward to can strengthen your connection and make the distance more bearable.
Shared Calendars 📅
Use shared calendars or planning apps to keep track of each other's schedules. This can help in finding suitable times for calls or virtual meet-ups.
Celebrate Special Occasions 🎉
Don't let distance stop you from celebrating birthdays, holidays, or other milestones together. Send gifts, host virtual parties, or create shared playlists to make these moments memorable.
Stay Updated on Each Other's Lives 📱
Make an effort to stay informed about each other's lives. Share photos, updates, and stories regularly to maintain a sense of involvement in each other's daily experiences.
Be Patient and Understanding 🤝
Recognize that life happens, and there may be times when one or both of you are busy. Be patient and understanding of each other's commitments and responsibilities.
Share Goals and Plans 🎯
Discuss future plans and goals, both individually and as friends. Knowing where each of you is headed can create a sense of shared purpose and commitment to maintaining the friendship.
Create a Digital Scrapbook 📔
Collaborate on a digital scrapbook or photo album. Collect memories, screenshots of funny conversations, and photos to create a virtual space that reflects the history of your friendship.
Be Spontaneous 🎈
Surprise your friend with spontaneous calls or messages. Small, unexpected gestures can make a big impact and show that you're thinking of them.
The key to maintaining a long-distance friendship is consistent effort and a genuine desire to stay connected. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can build and sustain a meaningful friendship, regardless of the miles between you and your friend!
Long-Distance Gifts
Sending creative long-distance gifts is a great way to show your friends that you're thinking of them, despite the physical distance. Here are some ideas for unique and personalized long-distance gifts:
Customized Care Package: Put together a care package tailored to your friend's interests. Include their favorite snacks, a personalized playlist, a handwritten letter, and perhaps a small item that holds sentimental value.
Subscription Box: Gift your friend a subscription box that aligns with their hobbies or interests. There are subscriptions for books, beauty products, snacks, and even unique items from different countries.
Virtual Experience: Purchase tickets or access to a virtual experience you can enjoy together, such as an online class, virtual escape room, or a live-streamed concert or theater performance.
Personalized Jewelry: Consider sending a piece of personalized jewelry, like a bracelet or necklace with coordinates of a significant location, initials, or a special date engraved.
Star Map: Gift a personalized star map that captures the night sky on a specific date and location, such as the day you met or a memorable event in your friendship.
Digital Scrapbook or E-Album: Compile a digital scrapbook or e-album using online tools. Include photos, quotes, and captions that encapsulate your friendship journey. Share the file with your friend for a heartfelt surprise.
DIY Craft Kit: Put together a do-it-yourself craft kit with all the materials needed for a creative project. Include instructions and have a virtual crafting session together.
Plant or Succulent Delivery: Send a potted plant or succulent that symbolizes growth and endurance. Include a note expressing your wishes for their continued growth and well-being.
Language Learning Resources: If your friend has expressed interest in learning a new language, gift them language learning resources or online classes. You can even plan to practice together.
Customized Puzzle: Create a custom puzzle featuring a memorable photo or a picture that holds significance for both of you. Puzzles provide a fun and engaging activity.
Have you found it difficult to maintain long-distance friendships? Is there one friend that you’d love to reconnect with? I hope this post has given you some ideas for reconnecting with them!