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Your friend just broke the news, "I am moving away!"
Excited, yet sad, you feel a mix of emotions. With miles separating you, you wonder if you will stay in touch.
By following a few easy tips, it's possible to stay connected. I have done it, and so can you!
Challenges Of Long Distance
Remind yourself to stay patient and supportive. Depending on where your friend is headed, you may find that communicating just isn't as easy as before. Think about:
Different time zones
Different work and study schedules
Challenges your friend faces getting used to a new place
Your friend making new friends now too
Your friend trying to keep up with family and other friends back home
Your Communication Plan
Before your friend heads off on their next adventure, take time to chat at your favorite hangout. Use this time to:
Share your feelings about your friend moving away
Let your friend know you want to stay in touch
Check in with your friend. Do they want to stay in touch, too?
Remind your friend about the value they bring to your friendship
Talk about how often you would like to connect
Chat about making time to talk on the phone or over video conferencing
Scenario
Shelia just found out that Mark accepted a scholarship to study in the UK. This is a dream come true for him. Shelia wants to keep in touch, but is worried she won't have time. What should she do?
A. Talk to Mark about her feelings and ask him how he feels
B. Discuss appropriate ways to stay in contact
C. Assume Mark will be too busy to keep in touch anyway
Quiz
What should she do?
It's best for Sheila to be honest about her feelings and not make assumptions about Mark. Together, they can come up with practical ways to stay in touch.
Did you know?
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So Many Ways To Stay In Touch!
It might be easy to stay in touch by text, but do not limit yourself to just this one way.
Texts are great for:
Photos - of your day, of something that reminds you of your friend
Jokes
A quick "good morning/night"
Suggesting movies, books, and Netflix shows
Phone calls or video calls are great for:
Deeper conversations with lots of back-and-forth
Snail mail is great for:
Sending gifts (for birthdays, milestones)
Care packages
Cards (for holidays)
Friendship Survival Island
Orion's best friend Joaquin is studying Medicine in the United States. He stays in touch through daily texts but they almost never talk.
Namazzi's best friend Kristina went to Uganda for an internship. She stays in touch through text a couple of times a week and one phone call a month.
Marla's best friend Aneesa moved to New Zealand on a working holiday visa. She stays in touch through a couple of texts a week, weekly video chats, and occasionally through letters and cards.
Quiz
Who is most likely to have the most successful experience with their long distance friend?
Although Orion may send text messages every day, and Namazzi tries different ways to communicate, Marla varies her communication strategies to balance face time, texts, and thoughtful surprises in the mail.
Take Action
Yes, you can keep in touch with your friend! How about you:
This Byte has been authored by
Amrita Gill
Curriculum Group Lead/Instructor/Author