10 Ways Distance Strengthens Friendships | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

10 Ways Distance Strengthens Friendships

When you need to talk to someone, you go right to them because they know you more than you know yourself.

423
10 Ways Distance Strengthens Friendships

In This Article:

As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder!

1. You're more intentional when you do get time together. 

Because of your limited time together, the conversations that you do have are really valuable. You can look forward to this time to talk to them, whether it's a phone call or FaceTime. Being intentional with this time is so important because you haven't seen them in a while and want to care for them.


2. The memories you have together are more appreciated.

When you think of times you had together, you can't help but get excited to see them again. You appreciate those memories because maybe at that time you didn't know how amazing they were. Sometimes, it's so easy to forget to treasure times with friends because you don't realize that time in the future won't be so convenient.

3. You look forward to seeing each other after a longer time of period.

After talking to each other when you're apart, you get that much more excited to see each other again. Being apart helps you realize how much you care for that person and the impact that they have had on your life.

4. You realize how much time you spent with each other in the past.

Because time was so convenient, you never realize how much time you actually spend together until you don't have that time. And most of the time, you realize this when you're separated, and usually wishing you noticed it earlier.

5. Better and deeper conversations (limited time to talk, catching up)

The time you have together to catch up means that there's no time for small talk. You don't know when you'll talk again and usually time is limited.You dive into deep life talks right away. After leaving for college, I missed midnight drives and deep meaningful talks with my people. So, when I FaceTime or see my best friends, I long for those times to get real.

6. Pictures become nostalgic reminders of your friendship

Every white space in my room is covered in pictures. A simple 4 X 6 picture hold so much meaning and emotion now that I don't see those people on a regular basis. One picture can be the only thing I need to go down memory lane and think about that day or adventure. And right away, I text those people and reminisce on those meaningful times of just being in each other's presence.

7. When you need to talk to someone, you go right to them because they know you more than you know yourself.

When you're going through something, you know that these friends know you incredibly well. They've been with you through the darkest and lightest parts of your life, so you feel safe going to them. You know that they'll say exactly what you need to hear, or are always ready for a venting session.

8. You make sacrifices to make time for each other and its always worth it.

There will be times that you're busy overwhelmed and won't be able to call them or talk to them that day. But because you want to talk to them, you organize your time so that you can hear their voice and find comfort in that security. Whether that's skipping that TV show for the night or putting together a study schedule to avoid procrastinating, you consciously make decisions to spend time with them. But when you do make those sacrifices, you know that this time is exactly what you needed to decompress.

9. Can't avoid conflicts (limited time to talk, have to resolve quickly)

Conflicts are hard when you're with people, but even harder when you are separated by a distance. Although, with the distance, you have to confront them head on when you would normally push them to the side. This strengthens your ability to confront people or situations and grows your relationship through adversity. You learn more by seeing each other's tendencies and can better care for each other through them.

10. More independent in the relationship

You have to take it upon yourself to spend time with that person. This means that you are intentionally thinking about them and wanting to be with each other. Making this time is strengthening your relationship because it is a conscious effort to talk to each other instead of a convenience.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

374
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

419
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Your Friend Group, As Told By Disney Princesses

Each Disney Princess has their own personality, and chances are you've got a friend in your group to match it.

1007
Disney Princesses

The dynamics of any friend group are usually determined by the personalities which make it up. Chances are, while personalities may overlap, each person in your friend group holds his or her own place. It is the differences which bring the groups together and keep them functioning. No matter how functionally dysfunctional your friend group may be, if you're anything like me, you feel absolutely blessed to have found such a wonderful group of humans to call "your people." Here is what your friend group might look like if they were Disney princesses (and that wasn't just a thing you all pretended in your heads):

Keep Reading...Show less
dorm roon
Tumblr

College is a place where you spend four years exploring opportunities you never knew were there, creating the person you are, and making life-long friends. College is hard, but it is worth spending four years there. Just because college is difficult doesn't mean that it's not fun. There are plenty of great memories you can make during your four years if college. Here are ways college is designed to be the best four years of your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
college shirt

These individuals excel in their studies, fueled by both natural intelligence and hard work. From the ambitious Entrepreneur to the talented Theatre Person, each student on this list embodies a unique aspect of college life and showcases the diverse interests and passions found on campus.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments