One of the worst things about moving to a new city is that it pulls you away from your close friends. However, luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure you keep in touch with old friends after a move and last for many years to come.
1. Take Advantage of Technology
One of the best things about the world we live in today is the endless opportunities we have to keep in touch with old friends.
If you wanted to have a conversation with a friend thirty years ago, you would have two main options – call them or write them a letter. However, now, the possibilities are endless. You can check out their feed on social media to see what they’re up to or even schedule a video call to meet face to face.
When moving to a new city, consider how you will use technology to keep in touch with old friends.
2. Schedule Time to Talk
Everyone is busy. And amidst all this busyness, sometimes it’s hard to find time to talk. You might move to a new city, and, before you know it, six or seven months will have passed and you’ll realize you haven’t made contact with your old friends once!
In order to avoid getting caught up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, consider scheduling a time to talk to your old friends. This time can be completely up to you. For example, you can make a point of calling them once per week, once per month, or even just on their birthday.
3. Make an Effort To See Each Other in Person At Least Once Per Year
While the many tech options available today are great for staying in touch with friends, nothing beats seeing them in person.
In order to maintain your old friendships, make sure to visit each other at least once per year. If you live far away, consider having this meeting at a neutral area, halfway in between each of your cities.
Many people plan a yearly trip with their closest friends from another city to keep in touch.
Why Do Friendships Fade After a Move?
According to an article published by Psychology Today, there are a few main reasons why friendships can fade away over the years. Let’s take a look!
Time and Energy – sometimes it’s difficult to budget your time and energy after a move. For example, you need to start building new relationships in the city you just moved to, however, you also feel burdened with the task of maintaining old friendships from your previous city. This can be exhausting and you might not have the time to balance both goals effectively. This is especially true if you are moving from a different time zone.
Affiliation and Lifestyle – just like every person is unique, every city has its own flavour. For example, one city might be known for its extensive outdoor activities and active residents, while another might be known for its vibrant nightlife. The longer you live in a new city, the more your personality blends with its identity. This can cause you to lose interest in some of the things that brought you and your friends together before.
Lack of Physical Connection – like it or not, a physical connection is one of the most important aspects of any friendship. This doesn’t mean touching or even contact, just simply being in the physical presence of the other person. When you move away, it becomes all-the-more difficult to establish this physical connection.
Need Help With Your Next Move? Western Moving Can Help
If you’re looking for a moving company in Edmonton for your relocation, Western Moving has the staff, equipment, and supplies needed to help get you and your belongings to your new home safe and sound. We provide full-service moving, packing materials, storage solutions, and more. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your next move!
