As we graduate high school and college, we begin to part ways with some of our closest friends. The person you spent endless hours with every day won't be a short drive away. However, they will always be a short text or call away. Our cellular devices make long distance friendships the easiest they have ever been. We no longer have to send a letter and wait four to five weeks. We don't use messenger pigeons, although that would be cool. Distance is barely a factor when cars, planes, and phones exist. A friendship can survive any amount of miles with the right amount effort, it's the ultimate test of your love, patience, and appreciation.

Every relationship is different, but here are some ways to keep that beloved friendship afloat.

1. Video calls such as FaceTime and Skype all make face to face communication come to life for long distance friendships. It's easy to study, exercise, and even watch movies while on a call.

2. You don't have to talk every single day to keep that special bond with your best friend, though checking in on them is a key factor. It shows you care in a minimal way while letting them do their thing. Also informing them of new things that are happening in your life allows them to feel connected to you.

3. Get to know the new them and their surroundings wherever they are, it activates the feelings of closeness, like you're not so far away. Remember the names of their new friends, where they may be working, and new hangout spots.

4. Try to plan a trip to visit them or vise versa. You'd be surprised at how easy it is now. You can use Google Flights which allows you to find some of the cheapest flights for the date and place you're going, and no they are not sponsoring this article.

5. Remember those weddings you and your friends discussed at sleepovers? Now is the perfect time to bring it up. Bonding over future events can keep your friendship strong. It gives you hope that it will survive whatever distance and troubles that may be thrown its way.

6. Don't forget each others birthdays! Sending cute gifts and cards to one another shows you still care and won't forget the little things in the friendship. Sending something small through the mail whether for a holiday or not allows them to see you still care and appreciate them.

7. Lastly, make sure to be patient. You won't be able to see each other every day. It will be hard and may require twice the amount of effort than before. However, these friendships are worth it. They have lasted this long for a reason, let's not give up now.

If your friendships can survive the petty school boy drama and arguments about attitude and gossip, distance is no threat. Value your friends no matter how close or far, because I'm positive they value you!

Dedicated to Madeline, the one who never let 800 miles change anything.