Friendships: How to Maintain through Change
Friendships are one of the best gifts we can give (and receive) in our lifetimes. A great friend brings joy and laughter, support for all of the highs and lows, and love that never sways.
When building a friendship, you imagine a future never without them. Friends appear in the memories you have yet to make and those that are happening in the present. But what happens when change is inevitable?
As we grow older, we face incredible transformations, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. These changes can weigh on friendships and make maintaining them not as smooth. One transformation we all face at some point in our journeys is relocation. Some of the most heart-wrenching words you can hear a friend say is, "I'm moving." Rather than seeing a move as an ending, let your friendship fly into a new beginning with more direct and intentional communication. Here are three easy ways to maintain friendships and keep this special gift alive:
FaceTime Is Your Lifeline
One of our top tips is to use the fantastic FaceTime technology you have at your fingertips! There is no better way to spend an evening apart than sipping wine, setting up your FaceTime, and catching up on each other's lives.
Video chatting brings that close-knit feeling to life and allows you to hone in on your emotional connection. Put regular video chats on the calendar for you and your friends and prioritize those calls as if you were going on a lunch date with them.
Texts Are Sweet. Cards Are Better.
We have all experienced a long-distance friendship. You text each other random thoughts throughout the day. You make plans to see each other a few months ahead of time. Know an easier way to maintain your friendships? It's simple: a handwritten card in the mail.
Snail mail has gone out of style over the past few years, making you stand out, even more, when you send a note by post. The feeling is electrifying when you open your mailbox and see not another bill or credit card offer but a letter from your best friend. It's a mutually beneficial way to keep your friendship top of mind. Your friend feels the care of your relationship, and you feel the joy of making that person feel loved — a win-win situation.
Don't Forget the Big Days.
When you have a significant other, you are quick to remember the big moments. First date? Marked on the calendar. Anniversaries? Planned out in advance. Your friends are significant individuals in your life, so why should we treat those occasions differently. We should be honoring the first day we met our best friends, celebrating anniversaries, and remembering the big moments experienced together.
We know what you may be thinking. "You said these were easy ways to maintain friendships. Now you are asking me to plan an anniversary for my friends?" The answer is yes, and no.
Yes, mark your calendar with these relationship milestones. Yes, actively think over a sentimental gift, phone call, or video chat you can share. This doesn't have to be big nor take a lot of time (much as your fifth anniversary with your partner might). Plop these days on your calendar, send a quick text their way in remembrance, and watch how much good that does to keep your friendship thriving.
True friendships thrive even through the big and small changes we face over time. With a pinch of extra care, attention, and thought, you keep your friendships top of mind and present in your day-to-day.