8 Ways to Maintain Long Distance Friendships ...

This way to maintain long distance friendships is definitely the one that will make you laugh the most. My best friend from my hometown made me download this free mobile app called 'Snapchat' the last time I came to visit her. Basically, 'Snapchat' is the fastest way to share a photo moment on your iPhone or Android device, being up to 10x faster than sending an MMS. Best of all, you get to control how long you want your friends to view your messages and it will even let you know if they try to take a screenshot! This way, you can send funny faces or embarrassing moments for just your friends to see without running the risk of other people seeing them too. You can also add a caption to your photo or draw on it. My friend and I have been having so much fun with this app so far and it's a great way to get a laugh from each other throughout the day!

Plan a TV show or movie watching date "together." You can do this by planning to both watch the same TV show or movie that's going to be broadcast on TV, or by trying to simultaneously play a TV show or movie from your Netflix or iTunes accounts. Then, either set up your Skype or talk on the phone while you're both watching the show. This way, throughout the episode or movie, you can weigh in your thoughts or comments and it will feel like you're watching it together!

Miss having your best friend there with you while you shop to give you advice on an outfit? Then shop together via your mobile phones! When you're out at the store, just text a photo of what you're thinking of getting to your friend. This way, you can still get the advice you need and your friend will know that you value her opinion even from miles away!

There's nothing like having a girls only trip! Especially if both of you have been working your butts off or need time away from your significant others to reconnect with your friends. So make it a point to plan a yearly vacation together somewhere. Whether it's just the two of you, or a bunch of your other friends, it'll be a great thing to look forward to every year! The best way to keep a friendship strong is by keeping up traditions. This way, you know that no matter what's going on, you have a special time to put everything aside and see each other.

If you and your friends don't get to see each other often, you should try and obtain as many memories as possible of your time together. That's why photo shoots are great to have! It will create something for you to look at once you're separated again and it's a great way to have fun while you're together. Get all dolled up and go to a nice spot to snap some photos. Not only is it a great confidence boost, but it's also a great bonding experience!

If something important happens in your life, whether it's an engagement, a new job, or even that you got into a car accident (knock on wood), make sure that your friend is one of the first few people you tell. Don't post it all over your social media sites until after your good friends know or else they may feel out of the loop or forgotten. Keeping your friends in tune with your life is the most important way to keep your friendship strong over a distance. If you realize you have no idea what's been going on with your friend after a week (besides what you've read on Facebook), then it's time to call and catch-up!

Even if you know that your friend can't jump on a plane to come see you every time you plan an event, you should make sure to invite them. There's no worse feeling than your friend seeing a bunch of pictures from your AC trip with your other girlfriends, that you didn't even tell her about. So if you're going to have a party or go on a trip with some of your mutual friends, don't forget to tell your long distance friend! Who knows, they may just surprise you and be able to show up for you!

Even if you don't have tons of money to spend, sending a cute little care package is a sweet way to show you've been thinking of your friend! Whether it's for her birthday that you couldn't be there for or just after a rough few days that she's been telling you about, try it. I was having a rough time and my friend sent me a Build-A-Bear to help cheer me up. It lets you know that your friend still cares and is thinking of you, regardless of how often you get to see each other. So fill a box with some inside jokes or their favorite snacks and send it their way. It's amazing what a small gesture can do!

No matter what happens in life, it's always great to have a best friend. Moving away from each other is just just another test of your how strong your friendship is. If you and your friend feel like your bond is better than ever even with the distance, then you may have found that one special someone who's going to be there for you no matter what. Don't give up on that! What do you and your best friend do to stay close while you're away from each other?