My best friend and I are in different states, miles away from each other, amidst the whirlwind that is our lives. For me, it’s marriage and a full-time job, for her it’s graduate school, a job, relationship, and new puppy. We’ve now only recently settled into our long-distance relationship, which takes a good bit more intention for catching up. I’m super happy for her, extremely proud of who she is and what she’s doing, and am thankful to call her my best friend. Naturally, the last thing I want is for our relationship to dissolve into solely Instagram likes and the occasional text. I want us to remain close, I want us to know details of each other’s weeks, things to pray about, etc. I find an important thing is to keep sharing experiences together, new especially. I’ve been brainstorming some ideas for staying super-tight, even though we’re far apart.
Send letters and fun cards – A favorite of mine, I really dig snail mail. And cheering people up with a funny, ridiculous, or sweet card.
Deliver small gifts or care packages – Etsy is my go-to for this kind of thing… or Target for candy and snacks. I’ll find something I think she’ll really like, and mail it to her. I’ve yet to the do a true ‘like we’re back at camp’ care package, but I’ve got the itch.
Start a challenge together – Exercise, time away from the computer, time outside, reading a book, finding the most creative recipe, etc.
Leave fun voicemails – I usually am not one to leave voicemails, but I’ve found it fun to leave a random, silly, story-telling voicemail on my bff’s answering machine.
Trades links to articles and quirky web finds – MB and I are back and forth with random, fun, interesting links to each other. Whether it be the topic of Jesus, Gilmore Girls, clothes, or current events, we share a lot. It’s great.
Have a best friend in another state? What do you guys do to stay in touch?
My best friend decided to up and move to Ohio. It’s been a tough transition, but we try to text each other everyday, make a call once a week, and Skype at very least once a month! We also love sending surprise gifts to each other. It’s hard because she’s now considering moving back home, and I’m getting ready to move abroad. I’m so close to convincing her to go with me.
These are such great ideas! My best friend currently lives in Wisconsin (I live in Hawaii) and I’ve noticed lately that the long distance has really been getting to us. These ideas are genius though–I’m definitely going to be starting some of these with her. Thanks for the inspiration!
My best friends and I are having a fun time keeping in touch at the moment because I am getting married, so the group of us ladies has a facebook group that gets updated every so often.
I’m loving these, tips, though! Since once I’m married, it’s not likely we’ll stay super active with that group!
I met my best friends in college and now we are spread out all over the U.S. all in different phases of our lives much like you and your best friend. We have not been good at all about keeping up with each other except for the off-chance that we’re in the same city for the holidays. I feel like it becomes more difficult to maintain these long-distance friendships the older we get (and then eventually add kids into the mix and the difficulty increases ten-fold!). The ideas you listed and getting in the habit of making time is such a great idea! (Not too late for me to implement!)
I have two close girlfriends who will be moving away in the next 2 years and one who already has and it’s hard. I take forever to make good friends and so it kills me to see them moving away, but I love this list. I will definitely be saving it for later.
Great tips! My best friend and I are currently in the same state, but different cities. For the last 2 years, however, she was in Singapore! That was tough because the times were so opposite, and packages were pricey! These are fantastic tips for staying in touch better. Thank you!
My best friend and I literally live across the country from one another. She’s in California, I’m about to move to Florida. When she first moved, almost 3 years ago, it took a solid year for us to figure out how to keep our friendship strong and relevant to our lives as they were happening. What we do now is talk at least once a week on the phone/facetime. I call or text her anytime I feel the need to tell her something important, and if she doesn’t answer I leave her a funny and dramatic voicemail. I love to send letters and little surprises in the mail, so I do that occasionally. But most of all, it simply takes the commitment of two friends and being intentional to stay in touch- just like in any relationship. Love your tips also!
I have loved reading all of your tidbits and stories of best-friendship! Thanks for visiting and leaving your thoughts. I realized recently how special having a true best friend is, and I know you all can relate.
Yes! Lots of mail and random funny texts!!