Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder… But Memes Help Too!!

Dearest Readersssssss,

First, I wanna wish whoever invented the use of memes an eternal blessing! My favorite is “Brother ughhhhh”

It’s been a while since I last wrote here, I know, I know. I’ve missed you, too. Funny how I use WordPress every week for work, and I just never had the time for my own. You can give what you just read a meaning because there definitely is one. School has officially resumed. Mehn, now in my second year. It’s crazy to think that graduation is just around the corner next year. So many classes, projects, hustle, and just trying to balance everything else has been a whirlwind lately.

The funny thing about growing older and chasing big goals is that it often means being farther away from the people you love, and over the weekend, all I thought of was the people that keep us grounded- My friendsss. The whole situation of everybody being scattered around the world brings joy when you consider the future. You can easily travel anywhere because you have someone in that city. But what does it do for us right now? How have we been maintaining those bonds?

Well, I like to think I’m something of a pro at this whole “distance” thing. Funny story, I’ve been in a long-distance relationship for three years now (yes, three! LOL)…..with my cats. I haven’t seen my besties in over a year, the worst part? These people are not in the same places, so when you think of the logistics (got a friend who’s been using this word so much lately and now it’s stuck with me) of seeing all these people, coupled with the state of the economy…. it just needs more time, and you know what does not wait for anyone? TIME!

If there’s one thing I can tell you as a self-renounced pro in this game, it’s that it teaches you something valuable. Keeping the connection alive across miles takes intentionality, creativity, patience, and, of course, memes. I’m quite passionate about this topic. This post might sound depressive, sad, and ranting at the same time. It depends on what situation a reader is in.

You can’t just “drop by” or catch up over Abula or Peppersoup like we used to. Now, it’s random voice notes and texts. I send my farts in a voice note, lol. Tbh, it’s not a bad thing…..I’m just the funny friend, duh. I’ve laughed until I cried over a silly meme, had my girl stay up late just to hear my voice. Again, intentionality and those little gestures, no matter how small, become the jollof rice that holds the friendship together.

Long-distance friendships also teach patience and empathy. People have busy lives, and sometimes they don’t respond immediately. On your own, you learn to give that little space, pardon delayed responses, and celebrate the little facetime you get.

So yeah, memes help, and effort matters as well. But, the biggest and heart of it all is that friendship home and away requires you showing up, even when it’s a bit inconvenient. There are so many ways to be there for our friends. There’s so much on the internet. All you need is 30 minutes to sit through and do some research. Calls, texts, share playlists, TikTok videos, and IG reels. You see something that reminds you of someone, send it to them. Sometimes, during my midnight shenanigans, I even look at what my bestie has liked loool.

Anyway, it’s getting long, but I honestly could keep writing. So tell me, how have you all been keeping your circle alive?

See you all in a bit, readerssssssss!