Maintaining a long-distance friendship doesn’t have to be difficult when you’re committed to it. Sure, it can be tough to talk all the time the way you once did, even if you both intend to stick to those regular phone calls. Life has a nasty little habit of getting in the way, and before you know it, you’ve gone days without communicating.
Sometimes, however, life also throws crazy things our way — things that we least expect. When your friend is going through something heavy and difficult, you might feel helpless being far away from them. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do everything within your power to make them feel special and remind them that you care and will always be there for them. Here are a few tips.
Set Up a Video Call
Now is definitely a good time to set up that long-delayed video call that the two of you have been planning for weeks or months. Sure, everyone is busy, but a little bit of together-time could be just what your friend needs to feel a little better and a little less overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. Hearing your voice and seeing your face could be just what your friend needs! If you both have Apple devices, FaceTime is very easy, and also has a group call feature if you want to add in more friends. For a larger group, Zoom is a great tool and offers a free basic account option. Skype is another great option and one that many people are already familiar with.
Arrange a Movie Night
Who says you have to be in the same city to enjoy movie night together? One way to do that is to choose a flick you both want to see. Make it something easily accessible to you both. You have a couple of options here. You can send each other text messages throughout the movie, talk on the phone, or arrange a video chat while you’re watching on television. Whatever your choice, think of it as yet another incredible way the modern world makes it possible to connect with people you love — even when you’re thousands of miles apart. If you and your friend are both Netflix subscribers, you’re in even more luck! With Netflix Party, your playback is synchronized and there’s also a chat feature, so you can communicate right alongside your movie or TV show.
Check on Them Regularly
A text, a funny meme, or a fun picture is quick and simple to send. It doesn’t have to be a deep message — something short and thoughtful is both effective and heartwarming. “How are you feeling?” is an obvious one if your friend is under the weather. Let them know you’ll call them soon and that they’re on your mind. Little check-ins keep the friendship alive no matter how great the distance might be between the two of you. If you want to take a sweet greeting to the next level, create a personalized graphic or e-card with Zazzle’s easy-to-use design tool.
Send a Little Something
A sweet little token of your affection can make a wonderful surprise. You might create a care package full of things you know your friend loves, like their favorite snacks, teas, and coffees. Throw in a good book, an indulgent beauty product, and a sweet friendship card to remind your friend they’re always on your mind. You can even add a cozy robe if you want to personalize the gift further. Little long-distance friendship gifts like these can make all the difference!
Plan Your Next Visit
“Distance means so little when someone means so much.” It’s a common long-distance friendship quote that’s packed with meaning — and truth. But as accurate as it might be, it’s still important to make plans for your future together. While it might not be possible right away, make a plan to meet at some point when it’s feasible to do so, even if it’s months down the line. By making those arrangements, your friend will feel better — and you’ll have something to look forward to as well.
Maintaining a long-distance friendship takes work and effort, but true bonds can never be broken. Remember that when you’re connecting with your friend. Every little step you take is worth all the effort.
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
