When family or friends move overseas, keeping in touch despite the distance becomes an essential part of that relationship. Whether they’ve relocated for work, studies, or adventure, finding practical ways to stay present in each other’s lives requires thoughtfulness and planning. This guide explores the different ways you can keep those connections strong and continue to be there for each other.
Stay Connected Regularly
While you might message everyday under normal circumstances, consistency is the name of the game for creating a foundation for long-distance relationships. Dropping regular messages and scheduling in video calls can offer the most meaningful ways to stay connected. It lets them know that you’re thinking about them, and video calls through Facetime or WhatsApp mean you can see each other properly.
If time differences or life commitments make it harder, voice notes can be a good compromise so you can keep each other updated while getting a more personal touch than just a simple message. Social media is another way to support each other, uploading snippets from your life so you can both stay involved. The main thing is to have these reliable touchpoints that both parties can look forward to.
Send Care Packages
Physical parcels from home can carry special significance when someone is far away. They’re more tangible reminders of home, containing thoughtful consideration and little bits from home, such as:
- Favourite treats unavailable in their new location
- Personal items with shared significance
- Practical necessities difficult to source locally
- Handwritten notes that can act as keepsakes
International shipping can be the most complex aspect of sending a care package, but the positive impact makes it worthwhile. Many international couriers can assist with safely getting your parcel to its destination, so everything remains intact.
Offer Financial Support
When moving abroad, having proper finances in place is essential. But the reality once someone gets there can be much more overwhelming. Exchange rates, unexpected costs, and different living expenses can create pressure.
Offering to help with money doesn’t necessarily mean regular payments. It’s more about being able to support them during transitional periods or emergencies – another form of reassurance that you’ve got their back. With international money transfers, you can get funds to them in no time at all so you can both have peace of mind.
Share Resources & Opportunities
Taking an active interest in their lives abroad can also help you stay connected. Find local events that could be of interest to them, job opportunities if they’re relevant and more – it’s more about the small act of sharing information and showing you’re invested in their life over there.
Pulling together resources for them can also help them to feel supported as they adjust. Things like language learning tools (and following along with them) or letting them know about expat communities they can get involved with can both be great options to help them settle in.
Plan Visits or Virtual Gatherings
Despite being limited by time, distance and cost, nothing can quite replace going to visit them in their new world. If you can, it can help to create shared experiences and get an appreciation for the place they’ve moved to.
If visiting in person isn’t possible, then virtual visits can work as a substitute. Simultaneous film watching or playing video games together can be solid options. Find points where your time zones overlap and plan small activities you can do together.
Striking a balance between practical help and emotional support will help any relationship go beyond enduring long-distance – it can actually thrive as you show it more intentionality and meaning within your lives.
© Copyright 2025 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
Leave a Reply