Maintaining long-distance relationships and friendships is no easy feat. Once the moving truck heads out, with your loved one on board, things will change. But, this doesn’t mean they will change for the worst. You can maintain a healthy and happy connection as long as you both agree to stay in touch. Here are several ideas to help you stay close.
Video Call
There are multiple social platforms that can bridge the physical gap between two people. If you have a smart phone, tablet or a computer with a camera, you can access a variety of video calling platforms like: FaceTime, Skype and Tango. These allow you to video chat from home or anywhere with an Internet connection, which nowadays is pretty much everywhere. These social platforms make it possible to see a smile, share a joke, and hangout among other things. I can tell you I’ve shopped with a friend via FaceTime and it was awesome! She showed me the dress she bought and I picked out jewelry for the outfit. These are the little moments that make you forget the distance.
Texting / Email
For the days you don’t feel comfortable video calling, you can always shoot a quick text or email. Maybe you just cooked an Instagram worthy breakfast or you saw someone wearing the funniest hat. Take a picture of the moments you know the other will enjoy and send it. It’s a nice way to show you’re thinking of them. Sometimes even when you feel like you’re too busy to talk, you’re better off just sending a quick, “Hi. I miss you!” text. Otherwise, you’ll get caught up in the day and it will be hours or even days before you remember again. And for the days when you just need to vent, send an email. Trust me, it’s faster than sending 10+ text messages!
Schedule Virtual Dates
The hardest part about being apart from someone is that while you may miss them, life goes on. School and work don’t stop and your other friends are still around. This can make it increasingly difficult to maintain a consistent dialog. The best way to avoid this is to make a virtual date. Set a time and treat it as you would a face-to-face date.
Plan Trips
While all these options help fill the void, nothing beats getting your arms around them again! Find a time that works for the both of you and plan a trip. You can visit each other or meet somewhere new. This ensures that crucial face-to-face time you need and miss.
And if you only have a couple of minutes to spare, don’t forget the power of a good old-fashioned phone call. Because sometimes all you need is to hear someone’s voice.
If someone special to you is moving, check out this blog post where Alison shares ways to cope when a friend is moving away.
How do you maintain a long distance relationships? Share your tips in the comments section.
