Staying in Touch With Long Distance Friends

When a friend moves away, it's heartbreaking. That favorite person you had coffee with, went out with on Friday nights and shared many a Valentine's Day plotting the future, now lives in another town too far away to visit regularly.

Perhaps she's your college roommate and you're now saying good-bye after senior year, as you both head off to different futures in different cities.

But all is not lost! You can stay in touch with your long distance friend through technology. Here are some tips:

- Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to keep up with what's going on in each other's lives.

- Schedule regular video chats using Skype, FaceTime or Google Hangouts. This way you can see each other and catch up in person.

- Send snail mail letters and packages to make the distance feel a little bit smaller. Include photos, souvenirs from your city and anything else that will make your friend smile.

- Plan weekend getaways together as often as possible (or at least once a year). Visiting each other is the best way to stay connected emotionally.

Then there’s the girls’ trip where you meet up somewhere in the middle and have the best time ever, to create new memories.

Keeping friendships strong can be challenging but it’s more important than ever in these challenging times.