5 Things I’ve Learned About Long Distance Friendships

Friends are one of the greatest things in life, aren’t they? But as we grow up, we grow up and grow apart from people, and sometimes, your best friend breaks your heart and moves across the country to be an adult and move in with their girlfriend. And while you can still feel proud of them, it doesn’t mean you miss them any less. I’ve never had a long-distance BFF before, but I’ve definitely learned a lot about them recently, and it’s much less daunting than it seems.

1. You sometimes forget they’ve moved away.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’d go to text my BFF asking her if she wants to come out for drinks that night, forgetting she didn’t live around the corner anymore. It’s a little sad the moment you realize they’re not there anymore, but it’s a funny story when you tell them.

2. You don’t talk as much as you used to.

But, when you do, it doesn’t seem to matter. It’s okay not to talk for a while, we’re all adults and we have lives. But, long-distance or not, you’re always there for the big moments. Because whether it’s just a quick text here and there or a three-hour facetime call, you always know whenever you do talk it’ll be just as great as always.

3. You communicate by tagging each other in memes or cute Facebook posts.

Let’s be honest, texting can be exhausting sometimes, and trying to stay in touch online isn’t something that everyone is good at. But that doesn’t mean you stop thinking about someone, so usually, 90% of communication ends up in meme form and that’s totally fine because you know they still haven’t forgotten about you. I know I’m terrible at answering my phone, I hate phone calls, I never remember to answer texts, but I’m always thinking about my BFF.

4. You still keep some of your weird rituals.

Whether it’s always eating cheesy chips at 3 AM after a night out, a certain way of saying I Love You, or a very specific way to drink your coffee, you still keep some of your personal rituals and inside jokes alive. Even if you’re not always doing them together, some things never change.

5. You know that seeing your BFF once a week or once a year won’t make you love them any less.

I used to see my BFF at least three times a week, now we can go months without seeing each other. But, the main thing I’ve realized is I’d still love her whether she lived next door or on the moon because the second we’re back together it’s like nothing has changed. And maybe, I love her even more now I’ve had a chance to miss her.