7 Practical Tips to Make Long-Distance Friendships Last

“Distance means so little when someone means so much,” says Tom McNeal in his book Far Far Away. This statement holds the truth. The miles never seem to affect the bond you have with those closest to you. Yet, there is always a sense of longing—a desire to see your friend again, share jokes, discuss life, and laugh as you did in your prime years. While it might not be possible to physically reduce the distance, staying connected with old friends can be achieved with some effort, no matter the location or time zone.

Use Social Media

Social media platforms have truly transformed how we connect with one another in today’s times. Gone are those days when you waited for days for letters or that once-in-a-week international phone call, which cost a fortune. Now, with technology at its peak, communicating with a friend miles away has become a lot easier and more convenient.

With the help of social media platforms, you can connect with your friends by exchanging various aspects of your lives, just as you would in real life. You can instantly share a picture of your recent visit to a new cafe on WhatsApp or hit that share button on a funny cat meme you just watched on Instagram.

Schedule Calls

Sometimes, making that call is not the challenging part; it is the timing of the call that needs to be right. If your friend lives in a different time zone, finding a suitable time when both are free and awake can be the tricky part. However, scheduling a call in advance can help in the process. Take a few extra steps to coordinate and select a particular time that works for you both, even if it means adjusting your usual routine once in a while.

Play Online Games

To keep in touch with your friends after retirement, consider rekindling your bond by channeling your inner child. If you miss spending quality time together with your friends or just enjoying each other’s company, try connecting over an online game. There are many games that allow multiple players to join, such as Scrabble, chess, and various card games. Choose something both of you enjoy, and stay connected through a call while you play. And before you know it, you’ll be having just as much fun as if you were sitting across the table from each other.

Plan Meet-Ups

Even if it’s just once a year, try to organize a meet-up if it works for both parties. Make the necessary arrangements to visit your friend for a few days, or consider inviting them over to your house. In fact, if you want to take this a notch higher, you could also plan a trip together to a destination you both would enjoy. It doesn’t have to be an extended trip; a short, two-or three-day trip can be enough to reignite your connection.

Organize a Virtual Meal Together

Make the most of the video calling technology! Instead of just calling your friend to chat, try using the video call feature on your devices to share a meal together virtually. While it might not be as exciting as dining together in person, it can still feel more fulfilling to share the banter with your loved ones, even from a distance.

Watch Movies Together

Movie streaming apps now enable subscribers to watch movies and TV shows simultaneously across locations. While you may need to use additional tools like SharePlay and Teleparty, it will be worth the effort. If you are unsure about setting this up, ask your kids or grandkids for help. This allows you to enjoy the same movie at the same time, even pause to discuss scenes or share laughs. It’ll almost feel like a movie night!

Join the Same Online Club

If you share a common passion with your pals, look for online clubs that cater to that particular interest and join them. Whether it is a gardening group, a knitting circle, a book club, a theatre group, or a photography forum, participating in an online club will allow you to discuss shared experiences and, at the same time, provide you with a common connection to bond over.

Maintaining meaningful long-distance friendships in later life requires patience—a lot of it. But you will need to be realistic about your expectations too. If your buddies are unable to join in for a call or movie nights, or if they haven’t responded to your messages in a while, remember that life can get busy, and one can get tied up with everyday hustles. At times, priorities change, and energy levels can vary. Do not let these factors affect your feelings for your friends. When you find yourself in similar situations and are unavailable for calls or any planned events, make sure to communicate with them.