When you get the news that it is time to move houses, saying goodbye to your friends can feel heart breaking. Because armed forces families move so often, you may feel like you are constantly having to leave your friends behind just when you’ve gotten settled.
But here is some good news: moving away doesn’t mean a friendship has to end. While it takes a bit of effort on both sides, distance can sometimes make your friendships even stronger.
So how can I stay in touch?
Digital hangouts & groups
If you don’t have one already, set up a dedicated Discord server, a Snapchat group, or a WhatsApp chat just for that group of friends. This allows you all to keep chatting and share life updates. Some of the apps even allow you to watch movies together!
Game together
Have you ever considered playing a game with them? There are so many options these days. Whether you’d prefer something relaxed and creative like Minecraft, where you can share a world with your friends, or maybe you’d prefer something a bit more exciting and quicker like Fortnite. Either way, it’s an amazing activity to catch up with long-distance friends. Even if you both don’t consider yourselves ‘gamers’, it’s still a fun activity to try out together!
Go old school & write letters
Writing a letter isn’t for everyone these days. But receiving something physical can mean so much more to someone. Suggest writing a letter once every month or so to fill each other in on what’s changing in your lives, maybe include some photos or drawings too!
Be the one to organise meetups
We can all feel a bit nervous sometimes being the one to suggest catching up with our mates and it’s understandable, what if no one responds?
Remember though, it always takes someone to suggest meeting up for it to actually happen and it shouldn’t always land on the same person to do so.
Already moved and looking to make new friends? Here’s a quick guide!