Going off to college, moving out of state, or just switching schools can make it extremely difficult to maintain friendships — even those that you've had for years. However, it isn't impossible. If you genuinely want to stay in touch with old friends, it's completely doable with a little bit of effort.

Being flexible, patient, and resilient to change is truly what will get you through a long-distance friendship.

Now, to be quite honest, physical distance can create relational distance; this is inevitable. Your friendships will not be exactly how they used to be. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes they can grow stronger with distance! You learn to cherish the time spent with the people you don't see often, and although being separated is tough, reuniting with these old friends is one of the best feelings out there.

I have had my fair share of internet friends, friends I only get to see once a year (or maybe twice, if I'm lucky), and hometown friends that I only see over holiday breaks during the school year since we're all off studying in different states. As crazy as it is to keep track of everyone's unique, busy lives, it's well worth the effort that I've spent trying to master the whole "long-distance friendships" thing. With all of these friends, we have figured out ways to make it work between us and not make things awkward when we are finally able to reunite.

In order to stay in touch with someone, you do not need to constantly bombard them with texts every hour to keep them updated on your day-to-day life. An occasional text asking how life has been is important, but an entire conversation about daily details may not be necessary. Though, of course, this does depend on the person and the friendship. I have been fortunate enough to find friendships where reuniting always feels so natural and fun, no matter how much time has passed. These types are the rare gems of friendships. In these cases, excessive texting or virtual communication isn't needed, but simply hanging out every once in a while rekindles all that had been temporarily lost during the time apart.

With most other long-distance friendships, at least some form of communication may be needed during the time spent distanced from each other. With my hometown friends from high school, yes, we text pretty regularly about big things that come up, but what I feel keeps us most connected is our planned phone calls and video chats. This is the next best thing to actually being there with them. Plus, it's so much easier than texting. I do not do this very often, nor do I do it with all of my friends, but when I do, it does make a significant difference. Besides, it's always wonderful to be able to hear a familiar voice and see a familiar face — especially when being away at school.

Despite everything that I have already said, as important as it is to maintain friendships from home, don't spread yourself thin trying to keep all old friendships.

Communication is a two-way process. If your friends don't seem like they're putting in as much time and effort in the relationship as you, then it may be time to reevaluate the situation. Plus, making friends in your new environment can sometimes be even more beneficial, and is something not to be forgotten about. Losing touch with people is a part of growing older and maturing. No matter what you do to keep a friendship alive, if it is truly meant to be, distance and time will not break you apart- you will soon come together once again.

Staying connected is a crucial aspect of our social needs, so trust me when I say that putting effort into keeping good, healthy friendships is well worth the work.