19 Things That Make You Become A Better Long-Distance Friend

Jan 02, 2019 by apost team

Friends who moved away can still be one of your best pals. Staying close requires a bit of thought and effort. Let's look at a few tips you can use to stay close to that special friend so far away!!

1. Voice Memos: Voice memos are definitely the way to go if you want to stay close with someone. You talk much faster than you can type. So, instead of a two or three sentence text, you can catch your friend up on what you did this weekend or over the holidays with a voice memo. Your friend gets to hear your voice and catch up on what's going on.

2. Collaborative Playlist: Music is one of those things many people bond over. They share favorite bands or like to share new singers or songs. A collaborative playlist allows you to share songs so you have something to talk about next time you chat.

3. Watch TV or a Movie Together: There are some apps that offer you the chance to watch the same TV or movie as your friend, while, at the same time, allowing you to video chat with each other. It's a great way to just relax and have a bit of fun, even if you are miles apart.

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4. Send Cards: This one may seem a bit old fashion, but it's actually a great way to show someone you care. Go to the card store and find your friend the perfect card to mark a special occasion. It's far more personal than sending a quick text or even an e-card.

5. Set Up "Close Friends" on Instagram: Some things you just don't want to share with the public. However, you wouldn't mind letting your closest friends in on what's going on. Use the "close friends" setting on Instagram to create a private sharing spot.

6. Create Group Chats: Almost every social media platform you use has a group chat or share feature. Set up these chats on all the platforms you use, like Facebook or Instagram. Then, make sure each one has the same name, so your friends can find you anywhere.

7. Gifts: If your friend was having a bad day and lived next door, you'd likely take her out for a coffee or a quick treat. When you are long distance, send that friend a coupon to buy that coffee or treat. It's a small gesture that will brighten her day.

8. Play a Game Together: Many people love to share their gaming obsession. If you and your long-distance pal are playing the same game, try to play together as often as possible. It's a great way to strengthen your bonds and gives you something to talk about next time you chat.

9. Send Little Reminders: When you move to a new place, you will find little things remind you of that close friend you left behind. Send your friend one of those little things on occasion. If you are living in a place where the little things from home are missing, your friend can send them to you.

10. Learn about Your Friend's World: If you have a friend living in another country or from another culture, take time to get to know more about it. It offers you something to talk about, plus it shows how much you care for this person.

11. Make plans: Even if you may not see your friend for a long time, make plans for when you see each other again. It gives you a chance to share ideas and collaborate. Where will you go? What will you do? Where will you eat? Where will you sleep?

12. Share Links: Have you ever seen a news article, viral tweet, or funny video that reminds you of your friend? Share that link with him. You can talk about what you shared and why it reminded you of that person.

13. Make a Regular Appointment: Have a set time when you call each other, even if you only talk 10 minutes every week or two. That standing call gives you a chance to catch up and stay a part of each other's lives. Then, when you see each other next, you just keep up the conversation you had a week ago.

14. Send Snail Mail: A handwritten letter is a very personal gesture. It shows your friend that you are taking the time to sit down and write out your personal thoughts. It's something somewhat unexpected and appreciated by most. If you receive one in return, you know the effort that person put into it.

15. Send a Real Photo: It's too easy to share digital photos with your friends. However, what about sending a physical photo to them by mail? A physical photo of you making a funny face will get a more emotional reaction than if you shared it on social media.​​​​​​​

16. Read the Same Book Simultaneously: If you and your friend love to read, sharing a book offers a ton of opportunities to share and chat. You can download the books on Kindle or buy them from Amazon. Make dates to talk about the book. You can split it up by chapters or number of pages. Take time to talk about the characters and plot twists.

17. Call Your Friend from the Grocery Store: Make it a habit to call your friend every time you go to the grocery store (or Walmart or Target). It may be once a week or every other day, depending on your shopping habits. It's a way to remind yourself to reach out and share a moment with that special person.​​​​​​​

18. Set Your Friend's Time Zone on Your Phone: You need to know when it's a good time to call or text. Setting your friend's time zone on your phone's world clock will keep you up to date. It's a gesture that will mean the world to someone who doesn't like being woke up in the middle of the night, even by a well-meaning friend.​​​​​​​

19. Share a Calendar: Knowing when your friend will be available for a call is easy when you share a calendar. It makes it easy to plan to stay in touch.​​​​​​​

With the New Year at hand, how do you plan to stay in touch with friends who live miles and miles away? Let us know in the comments and be sure to let your long distance friends see this article for themselves.