Diss the Distance
The hardest thing about moving to Auburn from Raleigh, North Carolina, was the fact that I wasn’t going to see my family or friends for months.
Being far from home is hard especially when you go from seeing people closest to you every day to not at all. Here are some tips that I’ve learned on how to “diss the distance” and keep strong relationships even from, what feels like, lightyears away.
FaceTime
Yes, you could talk on the phone every day, but it’s not the same as a FaceTime. Being able to see the person in front of you rather than just hearing them on the phone makes it feel more personal. Next time you go to hit that call or text button, hit FaceTime instead!
Letters and Care Packages
I like to do this every once in a while when I am missing my friends more than usual. Writing a letter or going to the store (even the dollar store) and finding small things that remind you of that person can be really fun and bring back memories that the two of you share. This seems like a very “mom” thing to do, but it’s a great way to stay connected. When they receive their package, they’ll have something tangible from you. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll get a package or letter in return!
Group Movies
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus have a group watch feature that allows you to watch movies at the same time as your friends. I love doing this with my boyfriend or friends. Grab some popcorn and watch a movie together just like you would at home!
Understand Schedules
This is a hard one. Getting on the same page about time means sharing and understanding schedules. Pick a time during the day that you are both available and stick to it. Knowing when your friends have classes or are busy with organizations won’t leave you disappointed when they go static. This is especially important for those of us in different time zones. I am an hour behind my friends and family, so making sure we find times that fit both of our schedules gets rid of the frustration of trying to get in touch.
Send Pictures
This is such a small gesture that does so much. Sending pictures of events you attended, what you did last weekend, or something that reminds you of your friend makes them feel more involved. My parents and boyfriend’s parents especially love this idea. The adults in our lives that don’t live on social media still want to feel included! Sending them pictures shows them that you are thinking about them even with everything else you have going on.
Dinner Dates
Think of things that you and your friends would normally do together in person. Going to dinner is a big one for my friend group. Getting dinner gives you a set time to hangout and talk without distractions. Set up a night where everyone grabs dinner and hops on FaceTime or Zoom to share a meal together!
I hope some of these tips are helpful and inspire you to reach out to a few people you haven’t seen in a while. If you try these out or have more ideas on how to connect with those back home, let us know in the comments below!
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Nikki M.
