Being there for someone you love from afar isn’t easy, but it is possible. Here, we’re offering four practical ways to show a friend you care, no matter the physical divide…
Remember when your friendship group was just a stone’s throw away? When popping round for a cuppa, meeting a mate in town, or being there in a crisis only took a quick phone call and a 10-minute stroll? Those were simpler times, but as our world grows through travel and technology, our friendships can often span cities, countries, or even continents.
When a friend who lives miles away is struggling, it’s easy to feel helpless and unsure of how to offer meaningful support. Physical distance can feel like a daunting challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Staying emotionally close is not only possible, but can also be deeply rewarding for both you and your friend.
Dr Sophie Mort, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert at Headspace, underscores just how vital friendships are to our overall wellbeing. “When we’re separated by physical distance from our friends, it can certainly prevent us from feeling connected to our loved ones,” she explains.
But the good news? We can nurture our bonds and provide support across the miles with a little effort and intention. According to Dr Mort, it’s all about being present, no matter where you are in the world. So, here are four practical and meaningful ways to offer your long-distance friendships the care and attention they deserve.
Create a personalised care package
When my mum passed away, friends would drop off doorstep dinners and thoughtful gifts. It was a beautiful way of showing support. But, when you’re miles apart, it’s not always so simple. That said, Dr Mort suggests sending a thoughtful care package to a friend in need.
“It’s a powerful way to bridge the physical distance, and can remind our friends that we’re there for them, no matter how far apart we may be,” she says. “By choosing items that show we truly know and care about them, it makes the gesture even more meaningful, and helps to strengthen our connection with them.”
A care package could include their favourite treats, a handwritten note, or something that brings back shared memories. “This can be especially meaningful during tough times,” Dr Mort adds, “offering our friends some comfort, and reminding them that we will always be here to support them.”
Meet online with intention
It might not be quite the same as grabbing a drink with your bestie, but Dr Mort says that establishing a regular schedule of virtual friend dates can help us to create consistency, and also offers us some quality time for connections.
“Thankfully, today’s tech devices offer us the opportunity to video call, replicating face-to-face time,” she shares. But, for Dr Mort, it’s important that we’re intentional with this time, ensuring that we’re present and engaged in the conversation, not distracted by other things.
So, resist the temptation to call your friend while you’re juggling laundry, wrangling the kids, or answering the door. Instead, carve out focused time to truly slow down and connect – it’ll make a world of difference.
Add shared hobbies into your virtual dates
Want to take your virtual dates to the next level? Dr Mort suggests incorporating a hobby into your calls. “If there is a specific hobby you have in common, you could bring this to the call,” she advises.
Whether it’s a joint yoga session, getting crafty together, or even cooking dinner at the same time, this transforms your catch-up into a shared experience. These moments can make the interaction feel more dynamic and meaningful, helping to strengthen your bond in a way that goes beyond conversation alone.
If books or movies are more your thing, Dr Mort recommends starting a mini book club, or choosing your favourite TV show or movie to watch together. “This can really help to create a sense of togetherness, and gives us new things to talk about and connect over.”
Start a shared project
“Collaborating on a shared goal can be a fun and meaningful way to stay connected with a friend at a distance,” Dr Mort explains. This could be as simple as tackling a fitness challenge together, learning to paint while sharing your progress, or even co-writing a short story.
“You could even plan a future trip you’d like to take,” she suggests. Having a shared goal or project gives you something exciting to work toward, and look forward to, strengthening your bond, despite the miles between you.
Although distance may separate you geographically, with a little planning, creativity, and commitment to the cause, you can stay connected even when times get tough, showing that friendship knows no boundaries.
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