It happens all too often: there comes a time when your best friend moves away. Whether it be for a promotion, military reassignment, or a change of scenery, the reason doesn't change the fact that it's heartbreaking. Recently, I went through the same thing. My best friend, Sara, was moving away from me and we were both crushed. We did all of our favorite things together before she left and when she did leave, we made a promise to not let our friendship fade. Does this scenario sound all too familiar?
Two and a half years later, we're still best friends. We're constantly up to date on what's going on in our everyday lives even though we're hundreds of miles apart.
So what's the key to keeping close? Here are a few tips on how to maintain your long-distance best friendship:
1) Social Media
This one might seem a little obvious, but that doesn't diminish its importance. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat really make it easy to keep up with what's going on.
2) Text
This one is also pretty obvious, but again, extremely important. For days when you just can't sit down for a full-on conversation, there's still a way to send text without doing it through snail mail. Texting is a convenient and easy way to maintain conversation for hours throughout your busy lives.
3) Video Chat
The Internet is truly an amazing thing, isn't it? FaceTime and Skype give us the ability to talk face to face from hundreds of miles away. There's comfort in seeing one another and using unedited words to discuss current events.
4) Email
I know, who even does that anymore? Well, it's time to dust off your Gmail account and update your contacts. Email is especially great for when your best friend moves across multiple time zones. It's kind of hard to maintain a constant text conversation or a two-hour phone call when your best friend is fifteen hours ahead in time.
5) Good 'Ol Traditional Mail
Again, who even does this anymore when technology is as advanced as it is? Well, I'll tell you, nothing feels as good as opening a letter or present that someone took the time to write or make. It's even better when it shows up as a surprise on your doorstep and you get to call your best friend to express your pure and unexpected happiness.
6) Visit As Often As You Can!
Sometimes this can be a bit harder than it sounds, but it is an absolute must. My best friend and I have been alternating visiting each other's houses for the past two years. I'm actually visiting her as I write this and she's even helping me with suggestions! It's a special treat we get to look forward to over the summer and spend as much time together as we like. Plus, it's just as much fun to visit hangouts in her new location as it is to visit old hangouts. Either way, we're making more memories together, and that's the most important thing there is.
I know change can be pretty scary, especially when someone who is so important to you isn't around as much. However, if your friendship is true through and through, nothing, and I mean nothing, can keep you and your best friend apart.
