Whether because of a job relocation, marriage or graduate school, sometimes it isn’t possible for your friends to live in the same city as you. Does this mean you forget about the friendship? Of course not! It requires effort on your part, but it is easy to keep in touch. Check out these practical ways to stay connected with your long distance friends.
Write Letters
How about ditching technology and connecting with your friend the old-fashioned way? Buy some pretty stationary and pen a letter, slip it into an envelope and let it travel via snail mail. Your friend will love receiving something personal, especially if she isn’t expecting it. Urge your friend to keep the tradition going and write back to you. It is a priceless gesture your friend is likely to treasure.
Play Online Games
You are pressed for time, but don’t want your friend to think you are ignoring the friendship. Download your favorite game app and enjoy some spirited competition with your friend. While you play, you have the option to chat via text. It may seem like an insignificant way to keep in touch, but this friendly gaming may lead to one of you picking up the phone to further the connection.
Skype
Do you thrive on in-person interaction with your friends? This isn’t always possible, but try the next best thing — Skype. Pick a day of the week, log on to your computer and interact by not only hearing your friend but also seeing him. Schedule these Skype chats in advance so you continue to look forward to hanging out and keeping the connection fresh.
Set a Telephone Date
It might seem silly at first, but sometimes it is necessary to set up an appointment to talk to a friend. When you take the time to schedule a call, you eliminate any potential distractions which might interfere with your conversation. Try to remain consistent with the weekly schedule so you don’t lose momentum.
Stay Connected with Little Things
Mark your calendar and jot down the special milestones in your friend’s life. Why not pick up the phone to wish your friend, Happy Anniversary or celebrate a birthday by sending a personal delivery. Set your alarm so you don’t forget and send birthday flowers from FTD. Receiving flowers will offer a memorable highlight in your friend’s day.
Travel
Plan a surprise visit or organize a vacation for a reunion with your friend. This effort shows you still care enough about the friendship to fly or drive to see your friend. Use a three-day weekend to meet at a location in the middle and lounge poolside, chat until the wee hours in the morning and enjoy each other’s company over dinner or coffee.
Send Occasional Care Packages
Sometimes certain goods aren’t available to your friend when he or she moves. Why not send a care package of a few favorite things you enjoyed together? Whether it is a bottle of a favorite jam or loaf of your homemade bread, your friend will feel instantly loved with a care package.
With so many options to keep in touch, your long-distance friendship will stay on course.
