Make friends as an adult can be a challenge. I feel this especially as a self-employed business mom who mainly works from home. When I left my corporate role, I left behind a steady stream of daily interactions that maintained the friendships I held dear for so long.
In 2018, through a mastermind group in NYC, I met some amazing, like-minded women, all on their own entrepreneurial journeys. We worked together for about a year, diving deeper into each other’s businesses and lives through biweekly calls.
From that group, I found a few close friends that I still connect with, one of whom has become one of my best friends and best friends. During the time we lived across the country together.
Through creativity, purpose, and a wide use of technology, we found ways to build friendships AND support each other’s entrepreneurial journeys, becoming close friends and working wives. throughout the journey. These tips aren’t all that different if your friend lives around the area or the country — but with a long distance, it takes a little more planning!
Here are five ways to stay connected in a lasting friendship.
1. Schedule dates.
Protecting and growing a friendship, at any distance, is intentional. We schedule monthly Zoom calls with our other business friends to chat about all things business goals, growth, and the blocks. We go for a weekly walk together, while on the phone, to catch up on more mundane things. And we have movie date nights or FaceTimes coffee to stay connected.
2. Share experiences.
We often watch the same show, order or cook a similar dinner, or swap articles, Instagram posts, memes, podcasts, and books back and forth — just like we would if we met in person. Small moments shared throughout the day and this week help us connect between our more infrequent face-to-face encounters.
3. Use ALL forms of communication.
Voice notes. Document. Instagram messages. Voice messages on Instagram. Quick FaceTimes to register costumes before the date. Phone calls. Enlarge. Letters sent by post. ALL forms of contact are your friend for both long and short distance connections.
4. Keep the space.
We know the big dreams each of us is calling for and all the challenges that come with that growth. We hold the space and examine health, family, relationships and work so that we can support, cheer, motivate and walk side by side in all the big and small things to come. .
5. Be each other’s HYPE.
Okay. Serious. We all need that one hype, that friend, who does your best for EVERYTHING. Whether far or near, it doesn’t matter. Like their posts on social networks. Send them good morning voice notes. Compliment them on their hair/art/business. Take them on a date/workout/interview/nap. Just join in and make sure they know.
We show up and keep space for each other through challenges. We cheer and inspire each other in business and life goals. And we find time to have fun, regardless of distance.
Finding true friends, whether near or far, is a gift at any age. Staying connected over long distances certainly takes work, but it’s well worth it.
Follow our friendship journey at @plsdotell and @colorkindstudio on Instagram and share your best tips with us!
Jill Elliott is an artist, wallpaper designer, and writer who is constantly looking for inspiration and balance. Jill wallpapers and original work can be found at Studio Color Kind. She is often seen making art and messing around with her daughter and pet dog.
