Have you ever wondered how some friendships seem to last, no matter the distance or the demands of life? In our latest episode, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with my college roommate, Sarah Clanton, to delve into our own 15+ year friendship journey. It was a truly special conversation filled with laughter, reflection, and valuable insights into what it takes to keep those cherished long-distance friendships thriving.
What Does Long-Distance Friendship Look Like Now?
Life changed, and so did our relationships. We talked a lot about the evolution of our bond and some key ingredients that have kept us connected over the decades:
Tons of Grace
This was a huge topic of discussion and the main ingredient in this recipe for long-term friendship. When you’re in a long-distance friendship, you simply have to extend a lot of grace. As working moms, we both have busy lives, careers, families, and other commitments. We both understand entirely it’s okay if you don’t talk every single day. What truly matters is the consistency of reaching out, even if it’s just a quick message every now and then. This understanding is vital for maintaining friendships without added pressure.
Touching Base is Non-Negotiable
As mentioned, daily chats might be unrealistic, so making an effort to “touch base” regularly is crucial whether it’s a funny meme or in our case, a really good song, a quick text to say “thinking of you,” or a scheduled video call, these small acts of connection help to foster the bond across time zones further.
Checking In is Key
Beyond just touching base, truly checking in to see how your friend is doing ensures that both of you feel seen and connected. It’s about being present and genuinely interested in their well-being, even from afar. This intentionality is a cornerstone of enduring friendships.
Memories and Milestones
Of course, no friendship conversation would be complete without a trip down memory lane! Sarah and I reminisced about some of our fondest (and funniest) moments from college. From the legendary “powerful heater” that kept us warm despite Sarah wanting a chilly night’s rest to my unwavering devotion of trying award shows into SuperBowl style parties with snacks like guacamole (yes, it’s a personality trait!), these shared silly anecdotes are the fabric that weaves our history together.
Social Media for Good
Sarah brought up an excellent point about the role of social media in modern friendships. When used thoughtfully, platforms like Instagram and Facebook can be incredible tools for staying updated on each other’s lives. You can see snippets of their day, celebrate their wins, and feel a sense of connection. However, she wisely reminded us that while social media can bridge some gaps, our friends are ultimately just a text or a call away. True, meaningful connection often happens off-screen.
Motherhood and Intentionality
As both Sarah and I navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood, we’ve learned just how precious and limited time can be. Sarah emphasized the absolute necessity of being intentional with your time when it comes to maintaining long-distance friendships during this phase of life. It might mean scheduling calls, making quick plans, or simply being upfront about your availability. This intentionality ensures that even amidst the demands of raising little ones, your friendships remain a priority.
What are your tips for maintaining long-distance friendships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!