Social media and LDFs (Long Distance Friendships)

Sometimes, social media can be a GOOD thing when it comes to relationships.

I don't mean romantic relationships: I mean friendships.

Even more specifically: long distance friendships (LDFs).

A lot of people our age are separated from their best friends because of a little thing called life. We grow up together, go to high school together, spend every moment together, and then one day, the safety bubble of childhood is popped and we are tossed out into the real world--we become LDFs instead of BFFs.

After reading the article "Is technology helping or hurting your friendships?" published by Canadian Living, I came up with some ways social media can help you and your LDF stay friends for the long run.

Turn jealousy into something good

The many outlets of social networks have the power to cause a bit of jealousy with you and your long distance friends.

For example: your LDF posts a photo with a new friend they met at college with the caption: "BFFs" and all of the sudden you turn into a raging psychopath thinking one (or all) of these thoughts:

1. Who the hell does this person think they are stealing my best friend?!

2. So much for "best friends FOR LIFE..."

3. Time to take a photo with my NEW BESTFRIEND so this asshole can feel the betrayel I feel!!

If you take a moment to slow down your crazy, this actually has the potential to be a good thing. Just because you aren't the only person on your friend's Instagram anymore doesn't mean you aren't friends.

Social media outlets (like Instagram) can be used as a tool to stay in touch.

See a photo with a new friend? Ask who it is. Showing you care about what is going on in their life can help you stay involved without being there.

Make it a two-way street

Like romantic relationships, friendships take work and it is impossible to keep one if both of you are not putting in the labor required.

If one of you is putting in all the work, it can get exhausting.

Case in point: if you are the LDF constantly posting "I miss you" photos and not getting anything back, it can be discouraging.

Social networks have the power to make things way more dramatic than they need to be so if this is a reoccuring problem, try talking about it on the phone instead of via facebook message.

The answer could be one of these two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Maybe the person isn't constantly on their computer because they are too busy enjoying the freedoms of adulthood and it was a huge misunderstanding.

OR

Scenario 2: maybe they really are just a shitty friend and don't care--in that case, drop them because it is not worth the energy.

To wrap it all up: don't let social media be the reason you and your childhood friends lose touch, instead let it be the reason you stay in touch.

Who knew? Social media can actually help relationships!!