Maintaining a Long Distance Friendship
Friendship is a type of interpersonal relationship so dear to most of us. It’s a bond, a sisterhood. However, just like any other relationship, there are setbacks (whether these are in our control or not). When it comes down to sustaining these bonds, how can you combat one setback: distance?
There is nothing like having your friend here with you when you need them. For long distance friendships and a pandemic that’s separated so many of us, how can it be possible to know they’re there? We’ve found this Bond Touch bracelet that keeps loved ones connected through touch, no matter the distance! Once you and your friend have one, simply tap the bracelet and your friend will receive a vibration on their bracelet, knowing that you are thinking of them.
Another fun and more personal way to connect is by the good old form of pen-paling. Whether we admit it or not, we all love receiving hand-written letters. So go back to the day before email and texting by writing letters to your friends. If you’re separated because of a move, share your new city by sending a postcard. You can even send over a whole package with meaningful things like positive affirmation cards, a notepad, a photograph of you two together or anything else that you know your friend will love. Share and include these new memories with them. With so much time spent catching up with feeds and statuses, pen-paling is a really fun way to connect on a personal level, despite the distance.
Distance is fine, but there are those times when you just need to see your bestie for coffee and give them a hug. Call them up and see if you could meet somewhere half way for the day, or even surprise them by showing up. Meeting with friends and hanging out in-person is needed and beneficial, especially for a sense of belonging as well as for social and emotional support. Because whenever life gets hard or boring, it’s good for you to always have your ride or die there with you.
It’s also important to understand that because of distance, meeting up may not happen as much as you would both like. Be understanding. And remember that a healthy relationship will allow you and your friend to expand your circles. Allow that space between you and your friend(s) to allow other acquaintances to form and grow outside of your shared bond.
Moving away doesn’t always mean losing a connection and risking relationships. Create a group chat that allows person-to-person connection. Start off with virtual movie and game nights, mental health check ins, or sing at the top of your lungs at a karaoke night over video chat. And don’t forget to include friends of friends too!! In the end, it is about the quality of those friendships, not how many you have!
Angel Stewart is a blogger, she is passionate about writing content about dating and relationships, popular culture and being in your early 20s trying to figure out adulthood.
