Maintaining Ties with International Friends: How to Stay Connected
Friendships are essential for living a happy and fulfilling life, and when a friend moves abroad or far away, it can feel like a significant loss in our lives.
It doesn’t have to, though; it is possible to keep these friendships alive, even with physical distance. In today’s world, technology helps us bridge the gap.
There can be new and unexpected challenges, such as navigating different time zones, but friends find solutions to problems.
Life can also get in the way as your friend focuses on building their life in their new location, and this is perfectly understandable, but it is nearly always possible to find a way.
We’re going to look at some of the best tips for maintaining international friendships with your long-distance pals.
1. Embrace Regular Digital Communication
Setting aside time for regular calls using some of the high-end telephony apps that are available today can be a cost-effective and fun way to spend time together via audio or video calls.
You can even call during a sports game you are both watching to talk about the action as it unfolds.
Even if you’re not planning to use audio or video calls, messaging apps can be a quick way of letting someone know you are thinking about them.
It can often be easier to send a good morning message than to find the energy for an extended call, and many people appreciate messages much more than calls these days.
A great middle ground between these two approaches is the voice note.
Most messaging apps allow you to record a short voice clip for the other person, which enables them to hear your voice and listen at their leisure.
2. Use International Mobile Top-Up To Show You Care
Sending an international top-up is a great way to show you care and are thinking of the other person.
If they have moved to another country, a mobile top-up may be just the gift that they need. It is also a brilliant reminder that you value them and that you want them to stay in touch with you.
An example of how to do this would be if your friend had moved to Cuba, you could take advantage of Cubacell promotions to top up your friend’s data allowance.
This is particularly easy in Cuba as they only have one cell company (Cubacell) that covers the entire country.
The process would vary slightly depending on the country they were in, but BOSS Revolution is a great starting point for sending mobile top-ups.
3. Surprise Deliveries
Even though you’re not located in the same country as your friend anymore, it is still possible to send them pleasant surprises to brighten their day.
It can mean the world to receive a thoughtful gift on a stressful day when nothing seems to be going right. Moreover, you can show your gratitude to them for being a part of your life.
You can do that very easily through the numerous apps and delivery services available online today. So, do not hesitate with the items and deliveries. Just surprise them with something.
A surprise box of chocolates, flowers, or baked goods can help to raise your friend’s spirits and make their day so much better.
Another fun possibility is to sign them up for a subscription box of something that they really like.
There are monthly subscription boxes for a wide range of products these days, from gluten-free foods to books and care packages, as well as sweet treats from all around the world.
Most of these deliver internationally and should be able to deliver to your friend wherever they are in the world.
4. Travel And Meet When Possible
It is always sad when a friend goes away, but there is joy aplenty when you meet again. This is why it is essential to plan to meet up with each other again when possible.
Having plans also gives you both something to look forward to, to plan and discuss on your calls. It can be an important way to help maintain a connection with each other.
Just knowing that you’re still in their plans, and letting them know the same, can mean the world.
It is an excellent way of showing them that you value them. And, still see them as part of your life, even though they now live far away.
Depending on the distance, it may be better to try to arrange to meet up. Choose somewhere that is halfway between where you both live.
This has the advantage of potentially allowing you to explore somewhere new together. Thereby, giving you something more to bond over as well.
If money is more of an issue, or you live much closer but are still long-distance, invite them over. It may be a great idea to spend some time with them.
This helps to cut down on some of the biggest costs of any trip, which are undoubtedly accommodation.
Stay Connected With International Friends
Keeping a friendship alive once someone moves further away can be challenging. But it shouldn’t be impossible in today’s world with the communication tools that we have at our disposal.
Communicating via video and audio calls, using some digital apps, can be a great way to enhance communication.
Swapping text messages, along with memes and jokes, can keep both parties entertained. Also, you can enjoy the digital presence of each other by sharing jokes and funny videos.
And, before you know it, you will end up building a sweet bond with them over the long distance that separates you. So, do not give up. Just put in the little effort to stay connected and keep in touch.
Sending gifts via local apps is a great way to make your friend feel valued. Moreover, sending a mobile top-up can give them a strong hint that you would like to ensure they are a part of your daily life.
Read Also:
