Happiful Hack
The key to a
long-distance friendship Can a close relationship still thrive when you and your best friend end up living miles apart? We have some amicable advice to ensure that absence will, indeed, make the heart grow fonder Writing | Kyle Clark Illustrating | Rosan Magar
I
t’s so easy to lose track of your old friends when you (or they) move somewhere new, especially when distance stops the frequent visits, and time escapes you. Researchers have found that friendships can improve our mental health and wellbeing, making us happier individuals. In a world dominated by social media, is it really possible to stop talking to someone? Technically, no; you might give their post a like on Facebook, or comment how cute their pet is. But that isn’t friendship. A friend is someone you talk to about everything, someone you share stories with and support in times of need. Is it possible to keep this up over a distance? Yes! Here’s how:
1 Call them
While it may be more convenient to drop your best mate a text, messages can often be read the wrong way. Our minds can play tricks and make us think that our friend is being rude, even 74 • happiful • October 2018
calling
5
BRIGHT IDEAS
If you start seeing your friend hang out with new people, then you need to be OK with that. If your friendship is strong, you know that no one will fill the gap like your best friend though we know they wouldn’t be. If seeing them in person isn’t possible, the next best thing is a phone call, because you can hear their voice and how they express their words. There’s a sincerity about hearing your friend’s voice; everything seems more personal and you enjoy it more. Talking on the phone allows us to respond and connect in real-time.
