Maintaining Long Distance Friendships 

With the widespread use of social media, staying in touch with friends, no matter your location, has never been easier.  

Moving to a new city or country — whether for school, a new job or just wanting a change of scenery — can be scary. With the help of technology, social media and other messaging apps, relocation doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your loved ones.  

Here are tips on how you can keep your friendships strong despite being apart. 

Communication is Key 

It shouldn’t be shocking that the first step to maintaining long distance friendships is keeping in touch.  

Sporadic messaging is encouraged, but having a scheduled time to check-in is even more important. Whether this is through a weekly video call or a chat on the phone before bed, find what works for you and your friend. 

Having a set time to talk with your friend shows you care about the friendship and prevents it from dissolving.  

Utilize Technology 

Just because you are in different places doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun together. Think about the small things you’d do together. Maybe you both like to read, watch movies, do crafts or maybe you just liked to eat together and chat. Whatever your favourite hobbies were, they can most likely be done virtually too. 

If you like to read, consider starting a small book club. Read the same book as each other and have scheduled meetings just to discuss the book. 

Browser extensions such as WatchParty and Teleparty allow you to watch TV shows and movies with friends. The extensions work by syncing whatever you are watching with your friend’s computer (as long as they have an account for whatever you are streaming). Both extensions have chat boxes, allowing you and your friend to chat about the movie without any complication. 

If you want to have a cozy craft night with your friend, just set up your webcam and grab your supplies. If you want to have dinner with your friend, the same logic applies. Cook the same meal or order take-out while on a video call and eat your meal together. 

Apps such as the Locket Widget allow you to send photos right to your friend’s phone’s homescreen. Having silly photos pop-up from your friend can help keep the friendship fun.  

Gestures Matter 

Being long distance can prevent you from being there for your friend when it matters. This can include times when your friend is going through a rough patch, it is their birthday or they are celebrating a major life achievement. It is important to find ways to show you love and care for them other than through words. 

Consider sending a letter and gift in the mail as a surprise. Receiving a handwritten letter has been linked to increasing one’s mood. Writing a letter is a lot more time consuming than sending a text. When a loved one receives a letter, it shows you care and value them. 

Don’t Let Your Physical Distance Get in the Way 

The most important thing to keep in mind is that any sort of relationship takes work to maintain. Even the friends you have physically close still require time and energy. If you don’t let your move ruin your friendship, you should be fine. 

There will be times where you feel lonely and miss your friend, but those are the moments that show you care for them.  

Lastly, remember you can plan visits with your friends. If you are at school, reading week is the perfect time to make plans. If you are employed, consider taking the same vacation time as your friend.  

If you and your friend put in the effort, you’ll have no problem keeping the friendship alive.