Long-Distance Friendships

When I was a sophomore in college my best friend moved across the country to California. When we were in high school we were inseparable. I would drive her to school, we would see each other in between classes and we were on the same sports team. She was my rock.

There is a fine line between supporting your friends and doing what is best for yourself. I realized her moving away would result in me loosing the closeness of my best friend, but I knew that her heart and future was in California. Now, 4 years later, she is still my closest friend and we have conquered the long distance friendship! Although she will never move back home, I know that our friendships is much greater then the 2,746 miles that separate us.

Here are a few ways that I found helpful in making this long distance friendship last!

1. Make the most of the time you have together.

Long distance friends don't have the luxury of seeing each other that often. When you and your best friend do have time together, make the most of it. Plan fun trips, go out to eat, do something that you both love. For me and my friend this always includes lunch at the diner and an expensive shopping trip!

2. Stay in contact.

With today's technology staying in touch is pretty simple. Like each other posts on social media and comment! Send each other funny videos on Facebook or tag them on a post that made you think of them. The small reminders of why you are best friends are nice to share, even through technology.

3. Keep each other up to date.

Weather you need advice on what shirt to buy or need to vent about relationship problems. Keep your best friend up to date with how your life is going. Make sure to check up on them. LISTEN! When your friends tells you about a job interview she has coming up, make sure to text her good luck the night before.

4. Make set time for each other.

Weather it be a phone date every week or a FaceTime date once a month. Make sure you set time aside to talk to each other. Time differences can be tricky, this can require some compromise. My friend calls me on her walk home from work, although this does require me to stay up late. Set up a time that works for you both.

5. Be patient.

Long distance is hard for everyone. Make sure you remember that your friend is feeling the same as you. If they have to cancel your Skype date or forget to text you back, don't be upset. Things happen, life can get messy.

6. Always reminisce and remember the best times you have had together.

Weather it be your crazy ex or that horrible hair cut you had in middle school. Reminiscing is one way to remember why your friendship is so important. My friend and I went through really hard times together in high school. That forever brought us closer together. When we talk about this times I always remember why she is my best friend and why I appreciate our friendship so much.

7. Show your appreciation. Send gifts, letters or cards.

Never miss a holiday or important date. Knowing your friend is thinking of you makes long distance a little easier. Send them something to show them you care. Even a heartfelt text can make your friend smile from far away. Never let your friend feel unappreciated.

8. Discuss the future and where each other will fit into that plan.

Knowing that you and your friend fit into each others future plans can make the distance not seem so bad. Weather you are planning on visiting or moving in together, knowing that this friendship isn't going anywhere is always important. My friend and I discuss how she is going to make my wedding dress one day, even though I'm not getting married any time soon!!

9. Know when you will see each other next

I always find it settling to know the amount of days until I see my friend again. I keep a count down app on my phone that will tell me how many days we have left. If it is once a year or once a month, knowing each day is one day closer to see each other again can help make the time apart go faster.

10. Know you friend always has your back.

Trust your friendship. You are best friends for a reason and staying on contact is important for you both. When life gets hard, make sure they know you are there for them. Be supportive and help them through everything.