How to keep friends close when you live far apart

Long lasting friendships require a lot of effort in order to survive. Sometimes we forget that we need to put in the work to make sure the bond is maintained and that usually causes people that were once close to grow part.

Admittedly, it’s a lot easier to maintain that bond when you live close to your friend. You can go visit them anytime and things are generally much simpler.

However, things are quite different when it comes to long distance friendships. This type of friendship needs a lot more work and we are here to share ideas on what you can do to maintain the zeal between you and your long-distance besties.

We have numerous apps that give you the option of video calling. I think that most of us have learned the importance of utilizing these features in apps during this year when families and friends have been separated by COVID-19 restrictions.

A video call is special because you can see each other in real time and you get to feel close to them even when you’re in completely different parts of the world.

Don’t underestimate the power of tagging each other in funny memes on social media, sharing funny pictures and videos or reminding each other of the personal jokes you have between you. Jokes keep things fun and light hearted and this can instantly improve someone’s mood when they’ve had a blue day.

Don’t leave them out when it comes to those happy moments. Share!

I’m so glad that games have revolutionized from the one-on-one board games all the way to multiplayer games online. These days all you need is good internet connection and you’re set.

If you do some research you’ll find some amazing games that you can both log into and play without any stress.

If you and your besties are fans of games, go ahead and find some that you both or all enjoy.

You don’t need to be next to each other to watch interesting movies and series. You can simply book a date when you want to watch something at the same time and have fun as you comment on the funny scenes.

You should definitely try and sacrifice a few hours for occasional movie parties.

If you have conflicting schedules just update each other on new movies and series you should watch.

When you finally get to meet, it would be a good idea to surprise them with small gifts that you’ve been saving for them.

The surprise can be a cute bracelet you bought months before you met or matching bracelets that you can both keep close as a reminder of your bond, a DIY gift you’ve taken time to make, a day full of fun activities that you’ve planned out or their favorite local meal to welcome them back home if they’ve been overseas. Whatever it is, I’m sure they will appreciate.

This is part of showing that you truly love them and that you genuinely value the friendship although they’re not always around.

Funny enough, the bond gets stronger when you’re not constantly talking on phone. You might feel the pressure to call them all the time or send messages but that usually gets dry and boring over time.

You don’t have to compensate the fact that they’re not physically with you by demanding their attention 24/7.

Relax more and understand that it’s okay to just communicate when you have something meaningful to say instead of filling each other’s phones with meaningless conversations.