Three Creative Ways to Maintain a Long-Distance Friendship

Remember when you were kids, and all of your friends attended your school or lived in your neighborhood? While those memories are fun to think about, it’s also nice to know that we can have a long-distance friendship all over the world in today’s environment. Even if you’ve never moved in your life, you might have online friends you met through social media, blogging, or even online school. 

When traveling is challenging (or you’re in the middle of a pandemic) and yet you miss that one-on-one interaction with friends in faraway places, there are still plenty of ways you can stay in touch and maintain that important long-distance friendship. 

Video chat from somewhere fun

Say the word Zoom or video call these days, and you’re bound to get an eye roll or two from those who are simply exhausted from video meetings throughout the workday. But, a video chat with a friend you haven’t seen in a while? That’s a whole new ballgame! 

Instead of popping open the laptop from your bedroom or kitchen table, find a quiet location outside and chat from there! You’ll enjoy the fresh air, and your friend will love the scenery and atmosphere. Or, why not grab your favorite drinks, respectively, and head to a local park so you can chat over a latte or smoothie! Just pretend you’re hanging out in person at your favorite local coffee shop and focus on the conversation and catching up. 

And, of course, don’t get too caught up in the hard-to-plan-and-coordinate challenges dealing with different time zones, schedules, and situations. Sometimes just a quick phone call out of the blue can be enough for a quick check-in and chat to brighten up your day. 

Send an unexpected gift.

When was the last time someone bought you an unexpected gift? The chances are good that you’ll remember immediately because these types of thoughtful gestures always stick with us. Picking up a small gift that made you think of someone doesn’t have to impede your plan to save money this year or break the budget. It might be as simple as mailing a new journal and pen to a friend who recently moved away or sending an online flower delivery to Barcelona for that international friend you hardly ever get to see. 

Read a book you couldn’t put down? Pick up an extra copy and mail it to that friend who shares your love of reading. If nothing comes to mind immediately, just make a note to browse your local gift shop the next time you’re out, and when you see something that catches your eye, you’ll immediately know who might be delighted to receive that gift in the mail. 

Go back to pen and paper.

Texting, emails, and sending instant messages via social media are necessary for maintaining a long-distance friendship. How else are you ever going to send that meme that reminded you of that one time you laughed until you cried? While all the digital communication tools are necessary, sometimes the old-fashioned pen and paper can be a fantastic way to re-connect across the miles. 

Not only will your friend appreciate the unexpected surprise in the mailbox, but they will also appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort you put into the note. And if writing isn’t your thing, but you still want a more personal touch, pick up a sweet or funny card the next time you’re out and jot a quick note inside. For the cost of just some stationary, a card, and postage, you’ll keep those friendship ties strong until you can get see each other in person again. 

We absolutely need the friends across the street, the parents from school, and the co-workers we see every day as part of our community, but long-distance friends are essential, too! It takes a little more effort and thought to keep the relationship going, but it’s a small price to pay for having friends all over the world.