How To Keep Long Distance Friendships

Everyone either has experienced or is currently experiencing a long distance friendship. I am currently in this situation with one of my best friends. I'm not going to lie, it sucks because I don't get to see her as often, but at least we stay in contact. Dealing with a long distance friendship is not as different as having your best friend twenty minutes away from you. I say this because with today's advances we have many sources of communication. As for my best friend and me, we use Snapchat or we text in a group text with another best friend of ours.

We do find it difficult to stay up-to-date with each other due to personal life, work, and school. There are times when we go days without speaking, but we are able to pick up right where we left off. She is always there when I need her; for times I just need a laugh. So when you think, “I don’t know if this long distance friendship will work,” just stay positive and remember why you became friends in the first place. Thankfully, there are so many ways to maintain these friendships:

Make plans with each other. If your best friend lives in another state, plan a trip to see each other. Distance is the only obstacle. Road trips are always fun. Taking trips with your best friend is a great way to hang out and spend time with each other since you haven't been around each other due to the distance.

Call each other. Find a good time that both of you can talk. Yeah, texting is faster and easier, but actually talking is much more effective when it comes to relationships. Personally, I find it better to talk than text because it’s more personal and creates a better bond between us.

My advice to anyone who is having a difficult time with their long distance friendship would be stay in contact, call each other, and make plans to see each other soon. Though it can be extremely tough, it is manageable. Don’t lose focus of what the friendship means to both of you. In today’s world, it can be difficult to find true friends that wouldn’t talk about you behind your back, and someone who would be there for you, no matter the circumstance. Keep each other updated on new things that occur in your lives. That way, there is something to talk about while you wait for a day to reunite with each other.

Friends are a gift. Don't let distance ruin an amazing friendship. Show appreciation for each other in ways that you come up with. Having a true friend is truly the best thing that life can offer you. Love your best friend conditionally and always forgive when things get bad.