Coming to college, everyone’s heard about the statistics concerning high school relationships: the ones that make it past the first semester are few, and the ones that fall apart during O-Week are plenty. This statistic can be pretty grim, especially to those who are currently in a relationship, but there is hope. All over the Internet, you can find countless articles and blogs that attempt to help inform others on how to effectively maintain their long distance relationships. However, less common are the articles concerning the maintenance of long distance friendships. These are often just as, if not more, important than the romantic variety because nearly everyone faces this sort of dilemma coming to college. Think, you spent four plus years of your life with the same few people who saw you through your awkward stages, your freshman decisions, and some of the best sleepovers to date. Does college mean giving that up?
Absolutely not. Anyone willing to be seen with you on those mornings you woke up late cannot be tossed out the window just because you’re putting a few more miles between you. So how do you manage the distance?
1. Keep each other up to date.
What brought you together to begin with? Similar interests, crazy situations, etc. Thus you have to keep each other up to date on your daily drama and changing interests. No, you need not exchange diary entries, but informing each other of the big events can keep you close.
2. Keep seeing each other!
Whether it’s setting up times to Skype, or Snapchatting throughout the day, you need to see each other. Facebook stalking just can’t compare to the hideous, 3-second pictures taken for your eyes only (and inevitably the eyes of anyone looking up #wcw).
3. Don’t be afraid of change.
Before, you spent every possible moment with each other, but now, you’ve gone your separate ways. You’ll be experiencing things that she could never understand, and vice versa. Change is inevitable, but different doesn’t always mean bad. Expect to notice some differences, and be willing to accept them because, undoubtedly, you’ve changed too.
4. Don’t forget.
You’ve had some amazing times together. Reminisce! Things will never be exactly the same, but you always have the good ‘ole days, not to mention the times to come! Distance doesn’t mean letting go. With a little work, you can make this long distance friendship last.