If you have graduated college, are employed, and are in your late 20s or early 30s, you probably already have some friends who have moved abroad. Although seeing your best friend get into the university of their dreams or an international company can be quite exciting, it is an overall bittersweet experience.
As much as one enjoys seeing their friends progress in life, it does hurt to see them pack up and leave for another country. However, as challenging as it seems, Tommy Shek has some excellent tips for strengthening your bond with your friend who has moved abroad.
To learn about these tips, keep reading below.
Tommy Shek’s Top Tips for Strengthening Your Bond with a Friend Who Lives Abroad
Being a loyal friend is all about being the greatest cheerleader you can ever be. No matter what your friends achieve or where life takes them, if your friendship is true and strong, it will survive the test of time and distance.
However, if your friend has moved to another country, you do need to put in an active effort to maintain the bond you share with them. The chances are, your friendship might grow even stronger than before. Hence, if you are looking for ways to make that happen, follow Tommy Shek’s following tips:
Make a Habit of Sending Your Friend Pictures of Yourself
As human beings, our ability to retain visual information is usually quite strong. If you simply send your friend a text message, the chances are they might unconsciously look past it or not think too much of it.
Instead, when you send your friend pictures of your outfit, makeup, food, shopping, etc., this form of communication is more impactful. Your friend can remember you more often, and this will help keep the friendship alive even when both of you are too busy to text message one another.
Call Your Friend Once a Week
No matter how busy you are, take the time to call your best friend at least once a week. During that call, share your personal routine, any exciting news, any new movie you watched, or ask them about their experiences in the new country.
However, according to Tommy Shek, while this tip can be quite powerful for a long-distance friendship, it can get a little over-imposing. For instance, if you know that your friend is busy preparing for her exams, there is no need to call her that weekend.
Instead, wish her good luck via a text message and give her a call once when she is free to talk.
Send Your Friend Some Flowers or a Cake on Special Events
If your friend’s birthday is coming up, let them know that you are thinking of them. The best idea is to order them a cake or bouquet of flowers from their local market and make the payment online.
Write Your Friend a Handwritten Letter
Finally, take Tommy Shek’s advice and send your friend a handwritten letter. It may seem a little dated and old-fashioned; however, the sentimental impact of a handwritten letter cannot match an online email or text message.
Final Thoughts by Tommy Shek
Having a valuable friendship is one of the greatest blessings of anyone’s life. Hence, if that friend is moving away, you need to find a way to keep that friendship alive and growing.
According to Tommy Shek, the best way to do this is by sharing personal pictures, sending gifts and letters, and making a voice or video call whenever possible.