It’s tough staying connected with friends and family living across the country. Between work, school, and other obligations, finding time to talk on the phone or chat is hard. However, even with a busy schedule, you’ll still miss your loved ones if you don’t make an effort to keep in touch. You might even get homesick. You’ll also miss out on important events in their lives. Here are a few tips to enable you to stay connected:
How to Stay Connected to Your Friends and Family Living Across The Country (Image Credit Pexels)
Send Flowers Regularly
You don’t need a reason to send your friends and family flowers. Sending a bouquet of their favorite flowers is a thoughtful way to let them know you’re thinking of them. Go the extra mile and add a handwritten note to the flowers. Because you live far away, use an online flower delivery service.
If you want to send flowers to LA, you’ll find reputable and reliable vendors willing to customize, package, and deliver them. The florists will deliver the freshest blooms from the farm to your loved ones’ doorstep.
Call Them
With the advent of social media and instant messaging, it’s easy to forget the importance of a phone call. Hearing your voice will mean the world to your friends and family, especially if you don’t get to talk often.
Use this opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives, as talking on the phone lets you have a real conversation without distractions. You can also schedule regular video calls.
The most significant benefit of video calling is that you get to see each other’s faces. It feels more personal than just talking on the phone. Plus, it’s great for long-distance family members who want to see their grandkids grow up.
Send Gifts
You don’t need a special occasion to send your friends and family gifts. Birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries are great occasions to send a present. However, you can still do it just because.
Image Credit Pexels
A gift will let them know you’re thinking of them and you care. If you need help with what to get them, you can always send a gift card. That way, they can buy something they want or need.
However, sending them a gift from your destination is even more thoughtful. You’ll share your experiences and give them a piece of where you are. For example, send them a bottle of tequila or a sombrero if you’re in Mexico. A kimono or a set of chopsticks when in Japan is ideal.
Join a Group Chat
With group chats, you’ll all communicate in one place. Use a messaging app like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. You can also use dedicated chat apps like Slack or Discord. These platforms make it easy to have a conversation with multiple people. Share photos and videos too.
Group chats save you the hassle of sending individual messages to each person. Because everyone is in one place, having a conversation is easy. You can also use group chats to plan events like reunions, parties, or holidays. When issues or problems arise, bounce ideas off each other until you find a solution.
Write Letters
Writing letters is a lost art, but it’s still a great way to stay connected with friends and family. There’s something special about getting a handwritten letter in the mail. It shows you took the time to sit down and write a letter, which is more personal than an email.
Use letters to update your friends and family on your life. You can also use them to ask for advice or share your thoughts and feelings. They’ll save your letters and reread them whenever they want.
Plan a Visit
You can always plan a visit if you can’t stand being away from your friends and family. This way, you’ll spend quality time with them and catch up on everything you’ve missed. Use this opportunity to show them your current destination.
Visits can be short or long, depending on your schedule. Consider visiting multiple people in different cities if you’re taking a road trip. The most important thing is that you get to see the people you care about.
Play Games Online Together
Do you and your loved ones love playing video games? If so, play online together. You’ll have fun and stay connected at the same time. It will feel like you’re just across the room from each other, even though you’re miles apart.
There are tons of multiplayer games online catering to all kinds of interests and skill levels. You can also join online communities dedicated to specific games. It’s an excellent way to make new friends who share your interests.
Watch Movies and TV Shows Together
Who said you couldn’t watch movies and TV shows together when you’re far apart? Use apps and websites like Netflix Party to watch movies and TV shows with those you love. You’ll be able to chat while you watch.
The exercise strengthens your bond as you relax and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. Use this time to catch up on the latest gossip; the perfect activity if you love discussing movies and TV shows.
Connect on Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram make it easy to stay connected with friends and family. Follow their posts to see what’s going on in their life. Like and comment on their posts to show you’re thinking of them.
Use social media platforms to chat with your loved one, as most have messaging features. Remember to join groups dedicated to specific interests. You’ll all connect with people who share your passions.
Support The Same Causes
You and your loved ones can support the same causes, even if you’re far apart. Shared interests give you something to talk about or bond over. They also give you a sense of purpose and connect you to something larger than yourself.
The Connection will Grow
The more you find ways to keep in touch or connect, the easier it will be to maintain your relationship. You’ll also find that you have more in common with friends and loved ones than you thought. Life away from them becomes less lonely, and you’ll never feel like a stranger when you eventually meet again.
