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Over the past 12 years, I’ve lived on two different continents, one in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern. Born and raised in India, educated in America, and now working in Australia, I often feel like a nomad, always wanting to go everywhere and nowhere to actually be. Along the way, I’ve gathered countless travel stories, cherished memories, and valuable life lessons. But in the process, I’ve also lost touch with many friends, some of whom I once considered my closest, the kind you’d call ‘friends forever’ or, as people say now, ‘friends till infinity.’
At first I thought it was the distance and the time difference that made it impossible to be friends with someone who is living so far, but then I realised it neither, truly its just the intent. Not that you don’t want to, but you’re life is so busy and everything else take precedence over maintaining friendship with your long-distance friends. I am not saying that the time difference and the lack of physical proximity has no impact, it definitely does, but moreover it’s the logic that comes in the way. That logic is, why should I spend my precious hours chasing someone whom I am hardly going to meet once or twice in year? It’s not the love or care for them that diminishes over time, it’s the priority that changes.
Here’s an improved version of the paragraph with enhanced flow and clarity:
When I’m listening to my playlist and a song from my school or university days comes on, it instantly transports me back in time, flooding me with nostalgia. Once, my phone showed me a photo a friend had taken at our college graduation, and suddenly, I was back in that moment. I remembered how we all shared our plans to scatter across different states and countries in search of better opportunities. Thinking about that day, my eyes filled with tears as I realized just how much I miss the friends who were once so close and important to me and, perhaps, still are.
Close relationships are worth working for. And it is important to realise that friendships are not fragile, they’re flexible. They don’t need to break when distance comes into picture, instead it needs to adapt. With distance only the dynamics change, equations and connections don’t. As long as you have them in your heat and in your prayers, you are half way there. To maintain the closeness, just come up with a routine, either you schedule a call one every two or four weeks or if you’re not a phone person then write letters, emails and decide to go on vacation together every year or every other year.
It’s not too difficult to be friends in a long distance relationship. If you keep your expectations in check and try to be there for your friend when it counts then you’ll have no trouble keeping that person in your life forever.
For social media freaks, instead of waiting for long conversations, try sending voice notes, random memes, or quick updates about your day on Instagram or Facebook. This keeps the connection alive without adding pressure for a lengthy catch-up every time. Take advantage of technology to stay connected. Apart from video calls, you can have virtual movie nights, play online games, or create shared playlists. Platforms like Netflix Party or apps like Discord make it easy to bond over shared interests, even when you’re miles apart. Using shared calendars to remember important events like birthdays or anniversaries can be another thoughtful gesture. It shows your friend that you’re thinking of them even from afar. Here are some more tips about staying connected to people who really matter.
Long-distance friendships require a bit more dedication and creativity, but the rewards are immense. When you invest time and energy into staying connected, you’re not only keeping the relationship alive, you’re also strengthening it. With open communication, thoughtful gestures, and regular catch-ups, your friendship can flourish no matter how far apart you are.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge that long-distance friendships can be difficult at times. However, when nurtured well, they can become some of the most meaningful relationships in your life.
