Maintaining friendships can sometimes be difficult when you live close to each other. But if you have a long-distance friendship, even more obstacles can arise. Think of jealousy, missing each other and perhaps even losing sight of each other. This is how to keep a ‘long distance’ friendship fun.
Keeps the contact alive
The first step to having a good long-distance friendship is keeping the contact alive. Text each other regularly, send each other things you encounter and also agree to video call each other. This way you both put energy into the friendship and it really feels mutual. Of course, there may be times when you are too busy, but as long as you communicate clearly with each other, that is not a problem at all.
Start a virtual book club
If you both enjoy reading, organizing a virtual book club is a great idea. Choose a book together that appeals to both of you and read it at the same time. Afterwards you can meet up to discuss the book. If a book club isn’t for you, another long-distance shared hobby is also a good idea.
Don’t leave your friend hanging
Life is busy and that means you can lose sight of each other every now and then. Make it a priority not to let each other down. Keep appointments to catch up and if it doesn’t work out, communicate this clearly and on time. If your friend sends you a text, respond to it, even if it is only briefly.
Grow together
The most important thing about friendships is growing with each other. You are there for each other in good and bad times. When your friends are going through big changes, you are going through this too. Make sure you are there for them when big things happen in their lives. This way you really become part of each other’s lives.
Don’t get jealous
Sometimes it is tempting to become jealous of each other, especially from a distance. Maybe your bestie is studying abroad or taking a unique trip. It’s easy to build up jealous feelings about that. But remember that you are friends and are in each other’s lives to support each other. Don’t get jealous of any new friends your bestie might make. Remember that it is nice for them if they also have physical friends, you would want that too.
