When it came time for Valentine’s Day, I wasn’t sad because I was single, I was sad because I missed my best friend. I have finally begun to accept and get used to being single but, I haven’t gotten used to my best friend living on the other side of the world. This girl is more important than any guy that has come into my life, yet she’s the person I see the least. My best friend lives in the Czech Republic, a country in the middle of Europe, and I live in the U.S. There is 6,568 km between us. We have been friends since September 2015, when I took part in an exchange program to the Czech Republic. We had English class together and were inseparable until January 2016, when she left for an exchange program of her own. The last time we saw each other was a year ago, in February 2017. As for the rest of the time, our friendship has existed online. In my opinion, we have become the best at maintaining a long distance friendship so, I decided to share our formula for success.
Here are some tips that I put together with my best friend’s help:
Be prepared to feel alone.
When the person who understands you the most is on another continent, it can get lonely; especially when there’s a “best friend emergency.” You want nothing more than to talk over coffee, or simply be together, but you can’t. There is going to be a large distance and time difference between your relationship, which sucks but, as my best friend said, “It’s better than not having them at all.”
1. COMMUNICATE.
Literally, all the time, even if you’re just going to the restroom. Tell each other everything, from the hot guy that just passed by to your annoying teacher, and your favorite Starbucks drink. Talking constantly is an easy way to feel closer. Luckily, we can Skype, Facetime, Text, and DM each other on Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat. As for us, we use every form of social media at the same time, it can get messy, but it’s worth it.
2. Utilize iCloud sharing.
We have a photo album that we share with each other through iCloud. There, we upload all of our photos and videos of special memories; even the horrible pictures of us too. This is how I was able to “meet” her family, and vice versa.
3. Don’t be afraid to get personal.
One advantage we found was when we text, we tend to develop more serious and personal conversation than we might, face to face. The want and need to feel closer has allowed us to say things we never have to anyone else before. Also, not being able to see someone’s body language when you’re telling them something embarrassing, awkward, or personal, makes it easier.
4. Enjoy the moments you have together.
If you do have the opportunity to be with each other in person, take advantage of this time, and enjoy it as much as you can!
5. Always have hope.
Nobody knows what the future has in store. Maybe, one day, you’ll live next to each other in the same city, and your children will grow up together. Never lose faith, someday, you’ll be in the same place at the exact same time.