Since graduating from college six months ago, my biggest source of anxiety hasn’t been job hunting. It’s been watching my friends scatter across the country and even the globe as we begin this new chapter in our lives. Ironically, the friends I feel closest to are the farthest away, stretching from California to Ireland, France to Washington, D.C. Even those friends who still reside in the same state as me might as well be in a different world, given our hectic schedules with work and grad school. However, as time has passed and we’ve settled into our new routines, I’ve realized that maintaining these long-distance friendships is much simpler than I had initially thought.
Initially, the thought of maintaining any kind of long-distance relationship scared me. Based on the negative stories I had encountered online and in real life, I was preparing myself for these friendships to slowly fade away, perhaps without a clear reason, leaving me feeling alone and questioning what went awry. However, studies show that over half of long-distance relationships are successful, giving me hope that my own friendships can thrive as well. If you’re in a similar position, don’t worry. Long-distance friendships are much more doable than they may seem, and here’s why:
You Have a Strong Friendship Foundation
I’ve known each of my long-distance friends for years, and we’ve grown close through shared experiences like high school, college clubs, or even living together as roommates. What strengthens our bond are the anchors we’ve established along the way, triggering us to reach out to each other. These anchors create a sense of exclusivity and deepen our friendships through shared memories, experiences, and inside jokes.
Less Pressure to Be Physically Present
Similar to romantic relationships, platonic friendships also thrive on shared memories and levels of intimacy. But when distance is a factor, the need for physical closeness changes. While trust and loyalty concerns are common in romantic long-distance relationships, in friendships, physical proximity isn’t essential as long as both parties are committed to staying connected.
Diverse Communication Keeps Things Engaging
Consistent communication is vital for maintaining long-distance friendships. Using various methods like video messages, voice notes, sharing memes, and sending physical mail keeps the connection lively and interesting despite the physical distance.
Planning Together Creates Excitement
Planning future meetups or virtual activities keeps the friendship a priority amid busy schedules. Virtual hangouts, shared experiences like reading the same book, and organizing future outings help sustain the friendship’s strength.
In Conclusion
Valuing long-distance friendships takes effort, but the rewards are significant. By actively nurturing these connections and staying in touch, you can build a stronger bond that transcends physical distance. Remember, with dedication and communication, distance can reinforce the bond rather than weaken it.
