Eight unique ways to show you care and connected to a long distance friend
Do you have a long distance friend you care about? Discover eight unique ways to show you care and stay connected to them.
Maintaining long-distance friendships can be tough, but the rewards are worth it! With a little effort and dedication, you can keep those connections strong and meaningful. It’s all about showing your long-distance friend that you care, even when miles apart.
Ready to bridge the gap? Here are eight creative ways to stay connected with your long distance friend – plus a few bonus suggestions!
Schedule regular video calls
With technology at our fingertips, staying connected with friends who live far away has never been easier. One of the most effective ways to show you care is by scheduling regular video calls with your long-distance friend. Here are some tips for making the most out of your video calls:
Pick a convenient time for both of you to talk
Coordinate with your friend and find a suitable time that works for both of you. This could be during weekends, after work hours, or even during lunch breaks.
Set a recurring schedule
To ensure consistency, set up a recurring schedule for your video calls. This helps to avoid any last-minute cancellations or confusion about when the next call will be.
Get creative with your video calls
Instead of just sitting and talking, try out different activities together during your video calls. You can watch movies together, play online games, cook meals together or even work on projects collaboratively while catching up.
Send physical gifts
Nothing beats the joy of receiving a thoughtful gift from a friend. Surprise your long-distance friend with a physical gift that shows you are thinking of them. Some examples include:
Friendship lamps
Shop for friendship lamps that connect and light up when the other person touches theirs. This is a sweet way to let your friends know you are thinking of them.
Care packages
Create a care package filled with their favorite snacks, unexpected handwritten letters, or some handmade gifts. This shows that you put effort and thought into the gift.
Personalized gifts
Send your long-distance friend a personalized gift such as a photo album, customized mug, or piece of artwork that holds special meaning for both of you.
Share your daily life
One great way to keep the friendship alive is by sharing details about your daily life with your long-distance friend. This could include:
Send photos and videos
Snap pictures or record short videos of your everyday activities and share them with your long distance friend. This gives them a glimpse into your life and allows them to feel more connected.
Text updates
Send regular text updates about interesting things happening in your life, exciting news, or even just random thoughts. Your friend will appreciate being kept in the loop and it also encourages open communication.
Plan virtual hangouts
Just because you’re not physically together doesn’t mean you can’t hang out! Make plans with your long-distance friend for virtual hangouts such as:
Organize watch parties
Host a fun virtual movie night or binge-watch your favorite TV show together. This is a great way to bond and create shared experiences despite the distance.
Play virtual game nights
Organize virtual game nights with your friends by playing online games or using apps like Houseparty. This adds an element of fun and competition to your friendship.
Start a virtual book club
Choose a book to read together and discuss it over video calls. This is a great way to bond over shared interests and engage in deep conversations.
Make time for in-person visits
Although it may not be possible all the time, try to plan in-person visits at least once a year. This allows you to catch up face-to-face and make new memories together. Here are some tips for planning successful visits:
Plan ahead
Coordinate with your friend and plan for the visit. Look into flights, accommodation options, and activities you can do while together.
Make your time together special
Plan unique and special activities that you both can enjoy together, such as trying out new restaurants, going on a road trip, or attending a local event.
Be flexible
Understand that things may not go according to plan and be flexible with your itinerary. The important thing is spending quality time with your long distance friend.
Show genuine interest
A key aspect of maintaining any friendship is showing genuine interest in the other person’s life. This holds especially true for long-distance friendships where it’s easy for someone to feel forgotten. Here are some ways to show your friend you care:
Ask meaningful questions
Show interest by asking thoughtful questions about their life, goals, and interests. This shows that you care about what’s going on in their life.
Remember important dates
Make an effort to remember important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Send a message or a small meaningful gift to let your friend know you are thinking of them.
Be supportive
Be there for your long-distance friend during tough times by offering support and encouragement. This can be done through texts, calls, or care packages.
Share long-distance friendship tips
Share your experiences and tips for maintaining long-distance friendships with others. You never know who might benefit from your advice! Some ways to do this include:
Write blog posts
Start a blog or contribute to one that focuses on maintaining friendships. Share your own experiences and tips to help others in similar situations.
Host workshops or talks
Consider hosting workshops or giving talks about long-distance friendships at local events or online platforms. This allows you to connect with others and share your knowledge.
Be supportive
Be a supportive friend to those who are struggling with their own long-distance friendships. Offer advice and be there for them when they need someone to talk to.
Celebrate special occasions
Even though you may be miles apart, it’s important to still celebrate special occasions together. Some ideas include:
Throw virtual parties
Throw a virtual birthday party or celebration for holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Gather all your long-distance friends on a video call and have fun together.
Connect with your long distance friend with this guide
Maintaining a long distance friendship requires effort and dedication. These 8 unique ways to show you care and stay connected can help strengthen your bond with your long distance friend and make the distance feel less daunting.
Remember to always communicate openly and consistently, and your friendship will thrive no matter the physical distance between you. So, keep showing that you care because true friendships know no boundaries! Happy connecting!
