Long distance family relationships and friendships can be tough to maintain when you move abroad. If you’re not in someone’s everyday life, it’s natural to grow apart.
But you don’t have to.
With a few easy tips, you can learn to strengthen your connection with those you love.
It’s all about making intentional efforts with the people you care about.
Keep reading to find out how to maintain lasting, important relationships while you’re away.
CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn how to maintain long distance family relationships and friendships at home when living abroad, including:
- Maintaining Treasured Relationships
- What You Can Do Before You Leave
- Tips to Maintain Relationships While Abroad
- Final Thoughts on Long Distance Family Relationships
- Next Steps
How to Maintain Treasured Relationships at Home When You Move Abroad
Moving abroad can be a very enriching experience.
You might have chosen a specific country because you want to learn another language, immerse yourself in a fascinating culture or simply to follow that special someone.
Whatever your reason, it can open your mind to a whole new world of possibilities that you never even considered before moving.
Once you’ve set up a new life for yourself and made new friends, it can be all-consuming.
This may mean your friends back home might feel a bit neglected. It can be hard to make time for everyone on top of a busy schedule.
So, here are some tips to help you maintain treasured relationships at home whilst also living your new life to the full.
What You Can Do Before You Leave
It’s a sad moment when the time finally comes to move away.
Why not make it a reason to celebrate with an unforgettable farewell party?
- Pull out the champagne, sparklers and party poppers.
- Invite all your loved ones.
- If you’re packed up, order something easy to eat on disposable plates.
- Make sure to chat to everyone before the party’s over.
Having all your loved ones together will not only be a wonderful feeling, it means you can also say farewell to everyone without spending too much time meeting everyone individually.
With your nearest and dearest, reassure them about the strength of your bond to one another.
They might feel left behind or abandoned, so make sure they know that you’re moving away isn’t personal.
It’s important for them to know that you treasure the relationship you share!
Tips for Once You’re Abroad
Technology is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping in touch.
Not only can you hear a loved one’s voice at the click of a button, you can even connect further with video calls or FaceTime, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
‘Easier said than done,’ you might say.
With our increasingly busy lives and time differences, it can be remarkably easy to fall out of touch.
So, consider setting up a regular time each week or month for catch ups. That way your schedule can’t get in the way!
Try not to forget special occasions, either!
Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries…it can be a lot to remember. To make it more automatic, create reminders in your calendar for important occasions.
Then, show them you care with a card, gift or even buy them come chocolates online.
Try to fit in some in-person time, if possible
Going home for Christmas?
Now’s your chance to spend some quality time with old pals and family members.
While it’s super exciting to be in the same country, it can be tempting to plan every minute of your visit to maximize all the friend-time.
This actually ends up being more stressful than enjoyable.
Therefore, don’t over-schedule yourself.
You want to make sure that the time you spend with loved ones is quality time, not just an hour here and there between other social commitments.
If you’re schedule is already full, you can try to plan group get-togethers and invite friends to meet you locally.
That way you can better maintain friendships and long-distance family relationships.
Final Thoughts on Long Distance Family Relationships & Friends
Finally, if it’s becoming too difficult to maintain a particular friendship, don’t be afraid to let them go.
Unfortunately, some friendships don’t survive international borders.
As much as it’s an upsetting process to endure, it’s all part and parcel of the expat experience.
What you gain, however, is absolutely priceless.
Next Steps
- How to Move to Another Country and Start Over
- (2022) Easy Checklist for Moving Overseas or Out of the Country
- Starting A New Life Abroad: 3 Great Countries to Pick
- Moving to Athens Greece: 5 Important Tips You Must Not Overlook
- 3 Tips for Empty-Nesters: Transition to Your New Life with Joy
- Remote Worker Visas: First Step To Being A Location Free Digital Nomad
- Top Pros and Cons of Downsizing Your Home Now That Your Kids Moved Out
- 5 Decluttering And Cleaning Ideas For Moving House
- Styling Home for Sale? Best Home Staging Ideas to Sell Your House Fast!