6 Ways to Make the Most of a Long Distance Friendship

 

Many of us have watched a close friend move away at least once in our lifetime. For some of us, it was when we were children and our best friend's parent got a job in another state. For others, it was after college, when our bestie decided to accept a job on the other side of the country. No matter the miles apart, there are things you can do to stay connected with your best friends. In the words of the author, Ally Condie, "Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled".

The ladies at RepHresh know what it is like to have a long distance friendship and are here to help you get the most out of yours. We want to empower you to embrace this cross-country relationship, because few things in life are as precious as our friends!

  1. Schedule a Weekly Skype or FaceTime Date
    If we were living 200 years ago, the only way you would be able to connect with your friends was by snail mail. For our parents, the family phone had to suffice. And ten years ago, we finally had cell phones and could connect anywhere, anytime! Now, not only can we connect anywhere, anytime, but we can actually see our best friend's smiling face while doing so. We're talking about Skype & FaceTime, of course! Schedule a weekly date to have a digital face-to-face with your BFF and make it the same day and time every week so you won't forget. Also, do NOT cancel! This can set into motion a series of canceled dates, so avoid the habit altogether by making your friend a priority.

  2. Plan Visits in Neutral Locations
    It is fun to visit your friend and check out her new digs, but crashing on each other's couches and going to the same places can get old. And sometimes you're feeling a little selfish and want to spend time with your bestie without her new friends hanging around (we understand). So, begin meeting in neutral locations. Start planning mini trips together! Take a look at this list for ideas on the top 10 places to visit with your girlfriend.

  3. Use Snapchat
    Whether you're 25 or 45, Snapchat is the perfect way to stay up to date on pointless developments in each other's lives (i.e. "Starbucks. YUM!"). Even if you're not big into the social media site, you can still download the app for free and use it as a fun (hilarious) picture-sharing platform for you and partner in crime. What a great opportunity to get your best friend's opinion on your new haircut or whether an outfit makes your butt look big (you know you won't get the unvarnished truth from your man!)

  4. Start a Long-distance Book Club
    Now this one is fun! If you and your friend love reading, gossiping and spending time together, a long-distance book club is for you. Share a book you've been wanting to read or swap favorite books. Even if you're more of a "fad" reader and haven't turned a page since you finished the Twilight series, you'll still have tons of fun with any of the books in this "Book Club Books for Women" list. Having the shared experience of reading the same book can keep you from drifting apart and give you tons to talk about on your weekly Skype, FaceTime or regular call.

  5. Send her a Care Package
    Receiving packages in the mail is one of the best feelings, especially when it is an unexpected (free) package! If you enjoy this, we're sure your BFF will too. Assemble the perfect care package for any occasion: Birthday, Christmas, Blind Date, "that time of the month", things she might miss from your hometown or, if you are the one who moved, best things from your new location or any other event in your friend's life. Try some of these helpful tips on how to assemble the perfect care package.

  6. Watch your Favorite TV Show "Together"
    When asked what the one thing is that you miss most about living close to your best friend, you'll likely say, "Just hanging out". And "just hanging out" often means watching your favorite guilty pleasure TV shows together and dishing on the dirt afterwards (or as is the case with some of us, talking throughout the entire show). Next time your favorite show is on, call your bestie and stay on the phone so you can talk about it in real-time.

We know you miss your best friend each and every day, but it doesn't have to feel like you're a million miles apart. Try some of the above tips so that you can always stay connected and so that your friendship can continue to grow as you do. Sometimes it can feel like having a long distance friendship is a LOT of work, but finding people you have a real connection with - especially those who "knew you when" is precious and well worth the effort. And THAT is the RepHreshing Truth!