I have been an expat for the better part of the last 10 years. Most of my friends live halfway across the globe and yet, every time we see each other, it's like we were never apart.
Whether it's friends who live far away or in the next neighborhood over, I believe friendships need to be cultivated. Here are a few simple things I do to stay close to my best friends on a day-to-day basis.
> Text! It's the most obvious, easiest thing to do, but I still have to mention it. With iMessage and WhatsApp, there are no cost excuses either. Texting helps staying in touch by saying a quick hello, even if you live on different time zones, without having to sit down to write a proper email
> Schedule FaceTime (or Skype) sessions when you are both available. Time zones can make it hard to rely on chance for a FaceTime call - better be safe and plan it ahead so you both know you have time to chat
> Ask questions, be there, be curious. Sometimes your friends will not be as present, or they'll take forever to get back to you. Don't take it personally, we all have lives, they might be going through something. Keep asking, keep texting, it's important that they know you're here for them no matter what
> Send emails with interesting articles, the newest handbag you want to buy, a haircut inspiration you need their opinion on
> Share a Pinterest board. You don't have to be connected at the same time, and it's the best way to share random everyday ideas, plan their wedding or get their opinion on your baby's nursery
How do you balance friendships with everyday life, being a parent, working, etc.?
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