The Traveling Journal Talks to The Friendship Doctor about Long-Distance Friendships

The wonderful women/friends of The Traveling Journal interviewed The Friendship Doctor about the challenges of keeping long-distance friendships intact.

TTJ: Do you have any long distance friendships? If so, how do you stay connected to them?

Dr. Levine: Living and working in the
Washington DC area for more than 15 years, I forged many close
bonds there with friends who now live 250 miles away
from me.

I learned that long-distance moves are disruptive to
friendships in more ways than one. Not only do you have to
contend with the logistical challenges posed by distance
(the time and cost of travel) but your life circumstances
change dramatically with a move as well. In my case, I became
immersed in a new job and new community, with new
colleagues and neighbors—and there was never enough time
to keep up with old friends.

Some friendships simply drifted apart while others remained
“stuck” like Krazy Glue. I like to think that the distance
separated the more important friendships from the ones that were
really just hanging on by a thread or that were more
casual acquaintance based on convenience.

My close friends and I do whatever it takes to stay
connected. Email, cell phone calls, text messages, notes, cards
and small gifts cement the friendship in-between the
times when we get to be together..

Click here  to read the entire Q & A.

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