Long-distance friendships definitely exist as you grow up, especially if you and your friends all go to separate colleges across the nation and even throughout the world. My friends go to school in various places throughout the U.S, and some are even studying abroad. Here's a list of things that are unique to long-distance friendships, and why you should cherish these moments.

Skype calls at 2 a.m. in the morning

Going to schools across time zones can be very hard, especially when it comes to communication. We're lucky enough to be on the West Coast on Pacific Time, but, if your friend goes to school on the East Coast, they're ahead by three hours. Sometimes, I won't be free to Skype or call until around 11 p.m., which is 2 a.m. on the East Coast. You know she or he loves you and appreciates your friendship when she or he is willing to sacrifice sleep to talk to you.

Group Texts

One way for you and your group of friends to stay connected while at different schools is through group messaging. Though it makes us even more technologically dependent, it's a great way to stay connected. Group-messaging can be annoying, as I've woken up to 100 unread messages before, but you do it out of love.

Shipping and Handling

When you're not there in person to physically give your friend a birthday gift or finals care package, you order a lot of things online, and if you're willing to pay that much for shipping and handling, then that's real friendship right there.

Long-distance friendships can be hard to keep up, from my personal experience; I've drifted a part from a lot of my good friends from high school. That's okay, it happens and it's natural when it comes to distance. However, when you and your best friend put out the effort to communicate and keep up with one another lives', you know it's true friendship and true love. You know what they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.