Keep your friendship strong when your best friend moves long-distance with these simple and fun tips. When your best friend moves away, it can put a strain on the relationship. But when you set aside some time each week and put in the effort, your friendship can become stronger than before. Avoid getting stuck in your own head, thinking about miles and separation, and focus on your strong bond. These ways to maintain your friendship will make a powerful impact in the long run.
Use a video chat App like Marco Polo.
Find creative ways to communicate with a video chat app like Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, or our recommended app: Marco Polo. These video chat apps make communicating simple and easy. Use an app on your phone for talking on-the-go. The Marco Polo app is especially easy to use because it enables you to record and send videos to your friend—like a friendship YouTube channel! Access your phone anytime and watch the latest video from your best friend, without having to live chat. With the ability to record videos around your schedule, you’ll maintain your friendship with ease. It’s also fun having a video to look forward to after a long work day!
One of Book of Us’ employees personally uses Marco Polo to send videos to her long-distance best friend every day! She says, “I’ve known my best friend for fifteen years. When she moved to a different state years ago, we started using a video chat app to stay in touch. We are now better friends than we ever were living in the same state. Like making a video diary, I feel like I can send her videos about everything happening in my life. Any time I watch a video, it’s like she’s in the room with me.”
Talk weekly, even daily, by email, phone, or social media.
Schedule time to chat weekly, or daily, to maintain a strong and healthy long-distance friendship. It’s easy to be discouraged by the lack of proximity or feel jealous that your friend might be forming other friendships. These feelings will subside, and things will feel more “normal”, the more you communicate with your friend. Regular chats will maintain a solid foundation and strengthen your bond.
Be honest in your communication. Don’t sugar coat your feelings!
In the same way it’s easy to “fake it” on social media, it’s dangerously appealing to pretend with long-distance friends and gloss over our true feelings. Stay honest and tell your friend what’s bugging you or stressing you out. Tell your friend how much you miss them—don’t be afraid to communicate your sadness or frustration. This line of honest communication will bring you closer together.
Send surprise packages and presents.
Surprise your best friend with fun packages of goodies and presents! Include your friend’s favorite candy, movie, and popcorn. A personalized book such as Book of Us™ is a thoughtful gift, customized with your memories and photos— a loving reminder of your friendship. Holidays are also a perfect time to connect with our best friends. Send handwritten holiday cards at Halloween and Christmas. If your friend is sick, care packages show you are thinking about them on the daily. The occasional best friend gift is a thoughtful way to stay connected in a long-distance friendship and bring a smile to your friend.
Take a best friend trip.
Travel with your best friend on an epic best friend trip and make new memories together. A best friend trip doesn’t have to break the bank either. Travel to where they live for a quick weekend getaway and spend time together doing all the simple things you can’t do now, like chatting over coffee, getting a mani-pedi, catching up over lunch and drinks, or taking a hike or a walk. If your budget is more flexible, take an exciting girlfriend getaway or guys vacay at a destination spot. If you need inspiration for traveling with your bestie, here are some vacation ideas to travel with your best friend:
San Diego, California: Bike, hike and swim on a warm and sunny weekend adventure.
New York, New York: Take in a Broadway show, eat a slice of pizza in Times Square, and visit the museums.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Enjoy a guided tour of the city while munching on beignets and po-boys.
Nashville, Tennessee: Rock out to the best live music and dance in your finest cowboy boots.
Miami, Florida: This sunny destination spot features stunning beaches and pools. Pick a hotel with a spa and relish a tranquil day of pampering.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Vacations at Vegas are fun and inexpensive, with plenty of hotel deals year-round. Splurge on a Cirque du Soleil show, spend a day shopping at the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace, and relax by the pool for some best friend R&R.
Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida: Release your inner Harry Potter nerd and geek out at the most magical place on earth! Harry Potter World at Universal Studios is a perfect best friend vacation, with detailed theme rides, Butterbeer (try the soft serve Butterbeer ice cream!), and shopping galore.
Austin, Texas: If you and your bestie are foodie fiends, Austin boasts some of the best barbeque and Tex-Mex. Enjoy the beautiful weather, take a food tour around the city, and enjoy the city’s live-music scene.
Along with these long-distance friendship tips, remember: friendship is an ever-evolving relationship. Friendships will change over time, and distance can make an impact. But speaking on a weekly basis, staying honest to your true feelings, and finding time to travel together will further your friendship.
