As we make the transition from high school to college, we are separated from some of our closest friends that we've known practically all our lives. Long distance friendships can either stand the test of time or break under the pressure. Here is a list of ways to help keep your friendships lasting past graduation and beyond.
Talk to each other regularly
In any relationship, communication is key. Make sure you try to keep in contact with your friends to avoid fading away. We're all on our phones, anyway, might as well use it to call up your buddies. Group chats make it so easy to keep in touch with people, and if you're an iPhone user, there is also group FaceTime now. It's not like you didn't text each other a hundred times a day in the past, so continuing that shouldn't be a problem — especially during a boring lecture.
Keep up to date on social media
Most of us tend to give daily updates of our lives on all our social media accounts. What better way to see what your friends are up to then by checking out their stories and Instagram posts? You can also send Snaps back and forth on what you're doing or what crazy thing happened on campus.
Be understanding
You need to understand that since you're in college now, you may not always have time for each other — and that's okay! We all have our own lives and it can get hectic sometimes. There are so many things we're involved in and have to get done, so don't freak out if you don't get a text back right away, if they don't pick up your calls, or even if they go MIA for a while. Things happen and you need to learn to accept that.
Make plans
Make plans to visit each other at your schools! I am telling you that you won't regret making the trip out there, seeing your BFF is worth it. And if your campuses aren't too far from each other, try and meet somewhere in the middle to hang out, grab lunch, or spend the weekends together.
Remember details
When your friends talk to you, actually listen! When my friends and I started our first semester I would remember things they told me and ask about it. Show that you're still interested in what they're doing. When my friend told me she was auditioning for the dance team at her school, I asked her how the audition went, spoke to her about her practices, and I watched all of her performances.
Focus on yourself
While being there for your friends is important, do not overprioritize them. You have things you need to handle and focus on, as well, so make sure you don't neglect that to keep chatting with them. Keep on top of your assignments and responsibilities and take time for yourself.
Meet up during break
If you're unable to see them during the school term, make it a mission to hang out during break. They're all more than likely coming home for break, and if they don't do a sport they won't be leaving early, so schedule days to go out with them. I make sure to ask my friends what day they'll be home and when they're leaving so we can make some things work and hang out a couple times before we're separated again.
Make new friends
I know this may not make sense since this is all about how to keep your high school friendships; however, doing this will keep you from smothering your friends. They're meeting new people at their school and so should you. This doesn't mean you're replacing them but you are taking part in the college experience. You're going to need to associate with people who are dealing with the same professors and BS as you.
Move in together
If it's possible, why not become roomies with your bestie? You don't have to live in a cramped dorm anymore and you get to be with them more often. There are some things you should work out and discuss before you jump and get a place together, but if you can make it work, why not do it?
Don't be afraid to let go
We may try to avoid it, but sometimes things don't work out no matter what we do. We grow apart and that's not something to be ashamed of. Know when it's time to let them go, because you can't force any relationship to work. Maybe the timing isn't right at this moment and you can reconnect later on. If not, enjoy the memories you do have with one another and cheer each other on from the sidelines from now on.
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