It’s getting to be that time of year. The last big projects, papers, and tests before finals are wrapping up, and everyone on campus has a bit of spring fever. We are ready for summer. I always feel a little bittersweet about leaving campus for summer – I am so ready to get home, but I also feel sad about leaving my friends. This year will be especially hard because many of my friends will be graduating. I have been lucky enough to forge so many great relationships this year with a variety of different people, but I know the real test will start when I get in my car to head home.
Anyone who has been in a long-distance relationship can attest to the fact that it is not easy trying to maintain a friendship across a great distance. Luckily, today we have so many technologies which make it easier than ever to keep in contact with someone, whether that person is a friend, lover, boyfriend or just someone you want to get to know a little better.
Facebook: FB is perhaps the easiest way to keep tabs on the people in your life. Social networking has absolutely exploded in the past few years; it is hard to find someone who isn’t on Facebook. As such, it’s incredibly simple to keep in contact with a variety of people you may otherwise lose touch with.
Texting: This seems to be the preferred method for getting in contact and keeping in touch with friends, boyfriends, etc. Sending a text is great when you just want to drop someone a quick note, and it can be fantastic for getting to know someone a bit better, but once you are friends or something more, I would recommend utilizing the last category. Also, “sexting” has become rather popular recently. I think this can be a great way to spice up your sex life while you are away from your squeeze, but be sure that you really trust whoever it is you are texting dirty things. And NEVER send naked photos of yourself. That is just asking for problems.
Skype/talking on the phone: The invention of Skype has been a God-send for couples in long-distance relationships, as well as friends and families who wish to keep in touch with their loved-ones. I know people who have regular Skype dates with their long-distance honey, even going so far as to get dressed up before chatting. As for talking on the phone, I think it is a wildly underrated method of contact. Many people think that talking on the phone can be uncomfortable and awkward, but as soon as that initial awkwardness goes away, conversation tends to just flow. It can be quicker and less of a hassle than Skyping, and it is so much more personal than sending a text or Facebook message.
However you decide to try and keep contact with your friends and love-interests, whether just over the summer or looking into the greater future, it is important to remember that it will take a lot of work to maintain those relationships, but in the end, every bit of effort you put in will be worth it.
Stay strong and sexy St. Olaf,
H.