When you go off to college, you may not be attending the same school as your beloved best friend from high school. If you are worried that distance may be detrimental to your friendship, have no fear. Keep your far-away friends close and maintain long-distance friendships with these tips!
1. Stay in touch
There are plenty of ways to remain in contact daily! Talk on the phone, FaceTime, comment on each other’s photos on social media, text each other during the day, tag each other in memes, or write each other letters. Many of these moments are small and easy, but they can carry a lot of weight. Your friend will feel cherished knowing that you care and still think about them despite all these new changes.
2. Put in the time when you can
Do your best to commit to the agreed time you are supposed to talk to your friend, and don’t cancel unless it is absolutely necessary. Even if you don’t have any specific updates and you just end up just making silly faces at each other over FaceTime, putting in the time will keep you guys connected.
3. Accept that it’s going to take more effort
You are both used to the effortlessness of seeing each other every day. Naturally, you will both have to put a bit of work to stay close especially since you are in the midst of adjusting to your college life. Though long-distance friendships are challenging, it isn’t impossible! That being said, make sure that you are both pulling the weight of your friendship; it is not a one-way street. If you find that you are the only one keeping the communication going, reflect and decide if this person is a friend worth keeping.
4. Find something to do together while apart
Look for ways to bond while you are away from each other. Watch the same TV show, read the same book, or even cook the same recipes. That way, the next time you speak, you can discuss your thoughts and opinions on your shared interest. Exposing yourself to the same situations also gives you a way to grow together and keep something in common.
5. Use distance as an opportunity to create new memories
Arrange a trip to go visit each other at your respective schools or meet halfway! Just because you are separated doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of each other’s lives. Plan an adventure for the two of you to enjoy!
6. Don’t fear the lack of contact
Sometimes life happens and schedules are busy. Don’t feel discouraged or intimidated if you and your long-distance friend stop talking for a couple weeks or even a few months. Once you are together again, you will pick up right where you left off!
When you go off to college, you are bound to make new friends… but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your old pals from high school! Different arrangements work for different people, and you will find ways to keep your long-distance friendships close. Don’t stress, and trust that everything will work out the way it’s meant to!