Maintaining a long-distance friendship can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible with a little bit of creativity and effort. Whether you’re separated by a few miles or a by continents, there's no excuse not to stay connected and commit to maintaining bonds with your closest friends.
In our latest post, we explore some creative ideas to help you keep in touch long distance - including fun activities, thoughtful gestures, and unique ideas that will make your friends feel closer than ever.
One of the best ways to keep in touch long distance is to have an online game night. There are some great platforms (such as QuizBreaker, Skribbl, or Board Game Arena) that allow you to play games together in real-time - or you could fire up a video chat and play along with a game you all have (we did this a lot in the Covid lockdown 😆).
At a streaming party you schedule a specific TV show or film and they're an excellent way to replicate the feeling of sitting on the sofa with friends. You can do it by everyone 'synchronising' their content by hitting play at the same time, or by using a dedicated app such as Rave.
If your friend is in a different timezone, why not start their day with a thoughtful good morning message? It’s a great way to show you’re thinking of them and will help get their day off to a positive start. You could share an inspirational quote, funny meme, or thought for the day. However, a simple “Good morning! Hope you have a great day!” can often be most powerful.
In the age of instant messaging and social media, sending (and receiving) a handwritten letter can be incredibly special. Take the time to write about your day, share memories, or even include a small keepsake. It’s a tangible way to show you care and cherish your friendship.
If you both enjoy reading, starting a virtual book club is a fantastic long-distance friendship idea. Choose a book to read simultaneously and schedule regular video calls to discuss your thoughts, favourite parts, and interpretations.
Cooking a meal together over video chat can be a really bonding experience. Choose a recipe, gather the ingredients, and cook step-by-step while chatting to your friend. It’s a fun way to share an experience and enjoy a meal “together” despite the distance.
A joint blog or journal where you both contribute entries can be a great way to keep track of your journey together. The journal could be about your daily lives, reflections, or even a creative writing project. Having a shared and common goal can help keep communication interesting and consistent.
Consistency is key in any relationship. A mobile app like SoonCall can help you to schedule regular check-ins, set catch-up reminders and track key milestones (like birthdays or anniversaries).
Studies have shown that how connected you feel with others has a significant impact on your wellbeing and we believe the human voice is a key part of connection. SoonCall helps you to stay connected despite busy schedules and have real conversations with those you care about.
Share snippets of your daily life through photos, videos, or voice messages. It could be as simple as what you had for lunch, or a funny story. Sharing these everyday moments helps bridge the gap and keeps you involved in each other’s lives.
Create a collaborative playlist on Spotify, Amazon, or Apple music and add songs that remind you of each other. You can also share new music and discover new favourites together as a fun way to stay connected.
Celebrate birthdays, promotions, and other milestones virtually. Send a cake, organise a surprise video call with mutual friends, or even throw a themed party over video chat. Celebrating important moments together strengthens your bond.
Having a visual reminder of when you’ll see each other again can make the time apart more bearable. Share the excitement and anticipation as the day gets closer.
Plan a future trip together. Research destinations, activities, and accommodations. Even if the trip is far off, the planning process can be exciting and gives you something to look forward to.
Create a time capsule filled with memories, letters, photographs and small items. Decide on a future date to open it together, whether it’s months or years away. It’s a beautiful way to create lasting memories and have something special to anticipate.
Long-distance friendships require effort, but the rewards are well worth it. The the key is consistency, communication, and a willingness to put in the effort to keep the bond alive. If you have any ideas or examples of creative ways to keep in touch long distance, let us know.
If you’re looking for a simple way to maintain your long-distance friendships, SoonCall is now available for iOS. Our app is a work in progress and we are in the process of designing and adding new features, so if you’d like to check it out, you can download SoonCall now from the App Store (Android app is coming soon)! If you have any questions, or feedback we’d love to hear from you - mark@sooncall.com.
Our mobile app is now available on iOS! Scan the QR code, or visit the App Store to download.
