Long Distance Relationships By Leslie Jo Saul February 25, 2014 As people grow older and move away from each other it becomes harder and harder to maintain friendships. It becomes apparent pretty quickly that relationships across distances take a lot of work. People’s lives get busier as they develop mature romantic relationships, make great strides in their careers, experience losses in their families, or gain new family members. With all of that going on directly in front of you it becomes difficult to be mindful of those friends who are far away and remember to keep in touch. However, there are a few key things you can do to maintain long distance relationships with friends and loved ones.
First, plan trips to see each other. This could be a special vacation, or simply a road trip where you’ll meet halfway for lunch. Looking forward to and planning a trip together will bring you closer.
Make sure you are following your friend’s activity online. Engage with what they post on social media sites, send them texts when you are thinking of them and call them whenever you are able. These little things will keep you involved in the day-‐to-‐day happenings of life around them.
In addition to randomly calling or texting, make sure you schedule ‘dates.’ It’s nice to schedule a phone call or a video chat. That way you will look forward to hearing from the person and you make sort of an ‘event’ out of seeing each other for an hour.
Make sure you make it to the big events. Even though traveling is costly, it is worth it for the weddings and baby showers and major birthdays. Being present for those important events saves friendships and will leave a lasting impression on your relationship.
Finally, send physical mail, messages, and gifts letting your friend know that you are thinking about them. This is nice on occasions like birthdays, but even more important when they least expect it. Send a long heart-‐felt, physical letter to send your love. It will mean the world and help your long distance relationship last.
Leslie Jo Saul is a Certified Master Neuro-‐Linguistic Life Coach (MNLP) and Clinical Hypnotherapist (C.ht). Leslie received her diploma in Healing and Success Arts and Sciences from Bennett Stellar University, an internationally recognized school of Life Coaching, with emphasis in relationships and certifications in the additional areas of DreamSculpting®, TimeLine Regression & Trauma Release, Hypnosis Mastery, and Communications and Life Mastery.