Miles Apart and Heart to Heart
Friendships are one of life’s greatest treasures, but when one of your best friends moves away, it can feel like a piece of your heart has gone with them. Three years ago, one of my dearest friends Beth, moved away, and although we’ve kept in touch weekly, nothing compares to those precious moments of being face-to-face. Recently, I had the chance to visit her, and it was a reminder of the importance of nurturing long-distance friendships.
But how do you keep that bond alive when miles separate you? Let's dive into ways to keep the connection strong, even when you can’t be in the same room.
One of the ways we’ve maintained our connection over the years is by having weekly phone calls. But we’ve taken it a step further; each week, we walk while talking on the phone. It’s our version of walking together, even if we’re in different towns. It’s incredible how something so simple as talking while moving can make you feel closer. It’s like we’re on a virtual walk together, catching up on life, sharing stories, and staying connected.
It’s a ritual that we’ve come to cherish. Even if life gets busy, we carve out time to catch up, just like we would if we lived next door to each other.
No matter how many phone calls or virtual chats you have, there’s something magical about seeing your friend in person. When I finally made the trip to visit my friend, it was like no time had passed. We hugged, laughed, and immediately fell back into our comfortable rhythm, as if we were never apart.
We spent the week reminiscing about old memories, creating new ones, and just enjoying each other’s company. Face-to-face time is invaluable, and we’ve made it a point to plan these trips more regularly. Even though she lives five hours away, we’re committed to seeing each other in person at least once a year, hopefully more!
One of the things that keeps our friendship exciting is planning future trips together. We love to plan girls’ weekends or day trips to new places. Even though we don’t live near each other, the anticipation of an upcoming adventure makes the distance feel smaller. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a simple lunch date, having something to look forward to is a great way to keep the friendship alive. Last year we went to Europe together, next year we’re planning a trip stateside. If you and your long-distance friend love exploring new places, planning trips together can be a fun way to strengthen your bond.
Ways to Stay Connected
Aside from walking and talking, there are so many creative ways to stay connected with long-distance friends. Here are a few more ideas we’ve found helpful:
Video Calls: Sometimes, hearing a voice isn't enough—seeing each other can make all the difference. Try to fit in video calls, especially on special occasions like birthdays.
Shared Playlists or Podcasts: Create playlists for each other or listen to the same podcast. It gives us something to talk about, and it’s fun to know that we’re experiencing the same music or stories.
Snail Mail Surprises: There’s something extra special about receiving a handwritten note or a little surprise package in the mail. Sending each other cards or small gifts reminds us that we’re thinking of each other, even from afar.
Movie Nights: How about virtual movie nights where you hit “play” at the same time and text throughout the movie. It’s a fun way to feel like we’re hanging out even though we’re in different places.
Shared Goals: Whether it's fitness, reading, or personal growth, working on a common goal and checking in on each other’s progress helps keep us motivated and connected.
What about you? How do you keep your long-distance friendships alive? Do you have any special rituals or ways of connecting with your friends who live far away? I’d love to hear your tips and ideas in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other to keep those important bonds strong.
xoxox…..Sheryl
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