I’ve figured out that distance between two friends is either the kryptonite or the catalyst for a stronger friendship. Even a time zone difference can strain the relationship, causing insecurities to rise. More often than not, friends drift apart because it’s easier than being rejected. My best friend and I have been living in two different cities for nearly a year now, and we’re closer than ever. Here are some ways we’ve managed to keep our friendship strong.

Understand that you can’t always talk to each other. Because of schedule conflicts that revolve around school, work and extra curricular activities, sometimes we miss each other. During midterms and finals, we only get the chance to text every few days or so. Sometimes, our entire communication for the day is sending each other pictures we know the other will enjoy. Kind of like a, “Hey, I can’t talk, but I miss you and here’s a picture of a happy donkey.” Once you’ve accepted the fact that you guys can’t always talk for the simple fact that you’re on opposite time schedules, there’s no longer the sting of rejection when she doesn't answer for a day or so. It even gets to the point where you just text her incessantly without shame.

You should call when you can, but not all the time. Give her a call when you can but only when you have the time to. Whenever we do get the chance to call, there has to be a free period of an hour or so. We’ll work our jaws for at least an hour, sometimes two because there are just some things that can’t be said over text.

Sharing small details of your day with each other really does help. When this happens, it’s kind of like you are there with her, giggling at the guy that suspiciously smells like a Victoria Secret’s perfume.

Try not to get irrationally jealous. I think we all can admit to this tendency; getting jealous at your best friend making new friends. On one hand, you’re super happy because new friends are thebomb.com, but you have this high squeaky voice that shrills out she wants other friends? Squash that voice with your biggest pair of boots.

Know that not all of her free time goes to you. Every once in a blue moon, you guys will have the same day off with no excessive school work or work obligations. These days are great—almost always, we both are more than willing to drive to see the other. But every once in a while, one or both of you need alone time. This doesn't mean you guys don’t love each other; it just means that you’re both introverts that need to stay locked in your apartment for 24 hours.

Like with all other relationships, friendships require a give and a take balance. It can be hard at times, but you can always be assured that your friendship can weather the distance.