Sometimes we have to say goodbye to those we love. Life changes and we are forced to grow up in a world full of busy streets and busy lives. What does not change is the love you may share for each other.
When high school ended, I was forced to accept the reality that the people I grew up with had to move away to now grow up on their own. As someone who has always tried their best to avoid major changes, this was something that affected me.
I thankfully am blessed with the most amazing friends and even though we are miles apart, our friendship remains the same and is even stronger than ever.
I decided to share some tips on what has helped me stay in contact with my friends and hopefully helps you if you are experiencing some hard times in long distance or needing inspiration on how to maintain it:
1. Social Media
Social media is a big part of our generation and has many advantages when it comes to long distance. Facebook is of course the prime place to keep up to date with family and friends. It is a place to post life achievements, chat with someone, or just post your daily life on there. My friends and I personally love to tag each other in the memes on our feed. Instagram can be seen as a “highlight reel” of your life and a space to share photos. Snapchat is somewhere you can send quick photos and messages to people. This is also one of my favourites to use to keep in contact with my long distance friends. The chat section is useful when wanting to send quick messages and photos and there is an option to make a group snapchat conversation accessible for everyone added. It is an easy way to keep in contact in a fast and efficient way!
2. FaceTime/Video Chatting/Calling
My best friend, Sabrina, and I love to Facetime whenever we get the chance! She lives in Toronto and I am in Vancouver so we try to Facetime or keep each other updated on each others lives as much as we can. Setting aside time to video call or even just a phone call is a quick form of communication and staying in touch. Other suggestions are other calling apps, like Skype or Houseparty.
3. Send each other something in the mail!
Sending each other letters or care packages are a way to keep you both in contact and make you feel like they are here when letter or package arrives. Funny story: last year, one of my best friends, April, moved to Ottawa. She was not coming back to British Columbia over Christmas break so I decided to send her a Christmas card. Well, a few days later, it got sent back to me because I put my address in the middle instead of the top corner. So, if you are planning on sending a letter or package to anyone, make sure the addresses are placed correctly and no one is left waiting on something that is sent back to where it came from.
4. Make plans!
Making plans for when they arrive back or plans for visiting are something for both of you to look forward to. Check out if there are any events in the area or visit and reminisce old places you use to go to together!
5. Don’t change a thing.
I believe the most important part of staying in touch with someone who is far away is to talk to them just like you would if you were here. Keeping each other updated on the little things can help strengthen your bond and ensure you do not feel like you are drifting apart. Things may change, but you can experience change together and grow from it.
Although saying goodbye is hard, it is important to hold on to the memories and be ready to create new ones. Like Winnie The Pooh said, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?”