7 Things Only Long-Distance Besties Will Know
Leaving the country for work, an exchange program or just for an adventure is practically an Australian rite of passage these days. It’s exciting, it’s scary, and it’s expensive. But it’s very cool and independent.
It can also be lonely sometimes. But living apart from your friends means that your relationship can grow in surprising ways.
Have you ever seen a brussel sprout plant? It’s really unexpected. This is what your long distance friendship often ends up looking a bit like and here’s why.
Goodbye coffee buddy
Goodbye Australia, goodbye decent Thai food, goodbye kangaroos, goodbye coffee friend. It’s often the little things you miss. Not being able to duck out for half an hour with your frand is one of them.
Digital communication is one thing but sometimes you just need some good old face-to-face completely platonic friendship luvin.
Tagging each other in memes becomes a way of life
Why use words when you can just tag each other in memes about cheese? They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So tell me, what is the worth of a truly dank meme?
Even if memes aren’t your thing, chances are you enjoy a few rando in-jokes with your long-distance friends. Laughing at something only your far away friend would get is bittersweet. You wish they could be laughing with you. But also lol.
Skype conversations at 3am
Finding a time to Skype is like brain surgery – it’s just really, really tricky. And even when you’ve finally found a time that works for both of you, you’ll still experience issues. Once you’ve actually connected, at least half of the conversation sounds like this:
“Ahhhhh it’s so good to talk to you!”
“Yeah you t-“
~Skype is having trouble connecting~
“You there?”
“Yeah why?”
“You just cut out. Anyway, how’ve you been?”
“Yeah I’ve been g-“
~Skype is having trouble connecting~
“You’re cutting out. I’m going to hang up and call you back.”
“No wait, I think I’ve figured it out. Yeah.”
“Oh cool. So who’s the n-“
Ohhh myyyy godddddd.
The “WHO IS THIS?!?!” conversations after your friend posts a photo with a sexy stranger
Whether you’re away or at home, you can always count on your best bud to be keeping a close eye on your Facebook account.
They’ll find the hottie, stalk their Facebook and will already have their star sign figured out within five minutes of posting. Even though it’s the middle of the night where they are and the hottie’s Facebook account is all in Swedish.
Just. Magical.
Trying not to feel jealous of their new friends
Trying is the key word here. There’s something different about your friend posting photos with sexy strangers than your friend posting photos with new friends.
Of course you’re thrilled your friend is making new friends. You’re not evil. But… you wish you were there to join in the fun and you hope your friend misses you too.
You can always count on them for the best advice
Near, far, wherever you are, I believe that long distance friends give the best advice. Removed from the situation, they are also fully aware of your best and worst qualities. You know they’ll be honest and even better, you know they’ll always, always be on your side.
The best feeling in the world, seeing each other again
Better than Lindt chocolate. Better than pho. Better than the Will-Byers-talking-through-the-fairy-lights scene in Stranger Things. Better than your wedding day (probably).
The first hug is just so WONDERFUL it almost makes up for the time you’ve spent apart.
Lucy Dean
Lucy studies journalism and Spanish at the University of Wollongong. She’d work a pun into everything if she could.