The Hardships Of A Long-Distance Friendship
Start writing a post
Relationships

The Hardships Of A Long-Distance Friendship

It's hard enough in having to deal with a long-distance friendship, but the things you do to keep it alive is even more of a struggle.

30
The Hardships Of A Long-Distance Friendship
Tiffany Lam

Most of us may have a friendship that’s so special to us. But for some of us in that special friendship, they may be long distance. Being in a long-distance relationship is one of the most painful but amazing friendships you can be in. You don’t get to see your best friend for so long, and that the only way you’d be able to be by their side is by texting or just video chatting with each other for hours you’d never imagine.

My best friend and I, we’re literally on the opposite coasts of each other. She lives in North Carolina, and I live in California – Colorado (home and school). The other friend, however, does live in California, but we live on the other ends of each other (San Francisco and Los Angeles). It’s difficult being there for each other when we need to be. When other people are cuddling up to their friends next to one another, we’re talking over the phone. When people go out to say that they’re staying over at their best friend's, we’re texting each other. And when friends say, “my best friend planned the best surprise birthday party ever," we’re struggling as to seeing when our shipment for each other will come in to give them their present from our heart. It’s hard enough being states away from each other, but for everything that we could do together, it makes it even harder. But being long distance actually can do so much. It leads up to the moment that you’ve been waiting for; seeing each other in person.

In 2015, my best friends and I met in Cancun. My family and I were headed over there to meet our friends for a small get-together and one of my parents had a friend who invited their family and brought along their cousins with them. When I first met them, I’d be lying to you if I said I did not feel intimidated. Both of them intimidated me and it was because of the strong eyebrow game. I kid you not, it was their eyebrows that were so on fleek it kind of made their RBF so strong. I also thought that she was younger than me; and that my dear audience members is a lie. The one from North Carolina is one year older than me, however, she and I are in the same year for school. The other one, the one from California as well, however, I thought she was older. She was younger than me by a year.

We both got to meet each other at dinner and once after having dinner together with some small talk, we got close to each other. From then on, we talked and talked, and by the time we had to part from each other, I’d say I wasn’t crying but deep down, we all knew I was inside. It was hard for me to break away from this friendship. I’ve never had the chance to feel this connected with someone, and after meeting her, it felt like something had changed. I finally found the person who can truly understand me for who I am and love me for me. But knowing me, I started feeling anxious thinking that she didn’t really like me. But after spending that much time together and sending each other such weird Snapchats, I realized that they might be the girlfriends that I’ve always wanted.

They were the ones I can see myself staying in a room with and just have our random Netflix relaxing nights just watching shows; or maybe even watching our DVR in the living room because we both were busy and wanted to catch up with each other. I’ve never had the chance to feel like this with someone before, and after meeting them, I felt like I finally may have found the girls I can call my best friends. They felt like a sister to me that I could come to them for anything, and because of that, I was lucky enough to be able to have the greatest memories that I hold in my heart.

When I feel down, I look at our photos and think of how lucky I am to have them in my life. And when I do see them, it’s as if our emotions that were held in are finally being exploded in a bomb and tears and laughs and happiness can finally come out to show how much we missed seeing each other.

Being in a long-distance relationship can be hard. It really can, and especially if that one person of yours that you hold so close to you is states away and there’s nothing that can be done -- it makes it even more difficult. It may not be the same as if I were talking to someone in person, but the struggle of not being able to see each other makes the friendship stronger. If you continue giving it some love and some care, the friendship will truly grow. It’s as if the friendship is a flower. You have to start it somewhere and continue watering it with care and love. The more care and love you show to your best friend, the more beautiful the flower can become. Being in this relationship has given me the opportunity to take a chance on anything.

As long as I can show her the love that she’s given me, and that she continues supporting me in any way she can, it’s the thought that continues making this friendship grow. I may not be able to see them every day, or be with her once we wake up, but I know that I am in their hearts, and they're in mine. That’s all that is needed; nothing more and nothing less.

If you have that one special someone that you’d love calling your best friend, give them a call if you’re not with them. Text them and tell them you love them and thank them for being such a meaningful person in your life. And if you are with them, give them a hug and pamper them for the reasons that they should be pampered. A wise person has told me this once: "Never leave your friends for the other relationships because when those relationships break, who will you go to now?"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

40403
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

115381
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments