How To Make A Long-Distance Friendship Stronger

Long-distance romantic relationships get a lot of attention, but long-distance friendships are no less important and just as hard to maintain. Whether you've been neglecting your long-distance friendships for a while, or are struggling with not being able to see your friends due to coronavirus, there are ways to improve your long-distance friendships.

Try these 12 tips for strengthening your long-distance friendships, from starting a virtual club to sending them thoughtful gifts like state scented candles:

Go online window shopping

Going shopping with friends is a time-honored tradition, but it’s hard to do if you live far apart. After all, it’s much easier to get your friend’s opinion on clothes if they’re sitting right outside your dressing room. Thankfully, you can replicate this experience by sharing your computer screen while you take turns online shopping. Stick to one site, or visit several to replicate the experience of going to the mall.

 Take virtual classes together

Create a long-distance wine and painting night by streaming a class at the same time. During quarantine, many in-person classes have been moved to online versions, both live streams and on-demand downloads. Pick something you both want to get better at and find a class that works for both of your schedules. If you really want to splurge, see if the instructors will do a private session just for you and your friends.

Watch movies and shows together

Watching TV is so much better when you have a friend to emotionally support you through all the plot twists. Use apps such as Netflix Party to stream movies and TV shows while you chat alongside the screen. If you have a large group of friends, invite multiple people and turn it into a virtual movie party. Don’t forget to make yourself some popcorn.

Play games or do puzzles

If you want to do something a bit more interactive than watching TV or movies together, you can do an activity such as playing a game or doing a puzzle. Whether you want to play a classic card game virtually or compete with each other in your favorite video game, there are many options available for virtual multiplayer games, including some for free.

Start a book club for two

If you have a book that you and your friend have both been meaning to read, but you never got around to it, starting a small book club can be the accountability you need to get going. Agree to read a certain number of chapters per week and then set up a regular voice or video call to discuss it. If reading isn’t your jam, you can also do the same thing with an informational podcast or audiobook.

Make playlists for two

Forget the age of the mixtape. We’re making each other playlists now. If you have a particular genre or artist that you consider yourself an expert on, put your knowledge to use by making your friend custom playlists tailored to their tastes. You can also create collaborative playlistsusing music streaming services such as Spotify so you and your friends can make music together. Every time your friend listens to them, they will think of you!

Send them thoughtful gifts

You don’t need a reason to send your friends gifts besides “I was thinking of you” (though occasions such as birthdays and new jobs are always a great excuse, too). Choose something thoughtful and meaningful, like a city scented candle, to remind them of your hometown or a homemade baking kit to encourage their newfound hobby. It doesn’t have to be large or expensive for it to cheer them up.

Become pen pals

There’s something magical about receiving a piece of snail mail. While this isn’t the best method of communication for time-sensitive news, sending each other cute cards or letters is a fantastic way to stay in touch and brighten up each other’s day with a little surprise. For extra delight, slip photos, cheap jewelry or other small trinkets into the envelope.

Create shared Pinterest boards

Speaking of collaboration, there are many different ways to do that, thanks to the internet. Pinterest makes it super easy to add and share pictures and posts with your friends. You can create shared boardsfor everything from clothes you want to buy to workouts you want to do to recipes you want to make to home aesthetics you want to emulate. Make boards for your shared interests and keep them organized by creating different sections for your own pins.

Plan a trip together

While traveling isn’t necessarily a possibility right now due to the coronavirus pandemic, that doesn’t mean that you and your friends can’t dream of seeing each other. Pass the time by brainstorming some destinations that you’d both like to visit and putting together mock itineraries. You can even create one of those shared Pinterest boards dedicated to the trip (or trips) that you want to take. Whether it’s a simple weekend road trip or a worldwide expedition, it will give you something to look forward to.

 Set reminders to check in

If you’re not already in the habit of talking regularly, life can get in the way and, before you know it, you’ve gone months without talking to your supposedly close friends. Set yourself regular reminders to reach out to your friends via call, text or video call. Once a month is a good place to start. You might be surprised what a difference this simple change can make in your friendships.

Share your calendars

On the subject of calendars, you might want to share your personal one with your super close friends if you’re comfortable with that. That way, you can easily keep up with important events in one another's lives and find mutually available times for activities. If you have a big group of friends that you’re always trying to coordinate with, this can make things much easier on whoever is planning the event.

Just because you can’t see your friend in person doesn't mean that the relationship will wither. Try these 12 ways to strengthen long-distance friendships.

Guest post by Taylor Sicard
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Taylor Sicard serves as the Co-Founder and CMO of Homesick, a hand-poured candle company that offers specialized scents to invoke feelings of nostalgia. Taylor is responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of all Homesick marketing and content initiatives. When he is not working or writing, Taylor enjoys spending time with his fiancé and exploring the great outdoors!