3 Ways to Strengthen Long Distance Relationships with Relatives

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The following is a guest post from Belle delos Reyes.

I was born and raised in Davao City. After my high school graduation, I transferred to Manila to study college. I went back to my hometown after I finished my degrees in humanities and business management but decided to come back to Manila and call it my home. My parents, brother and sister still live in Davao.

We are a close-knit family. My dad has six siblings so I grew up seeing my aunts, uncles and cousins often. Some of them are my godparents. Some became my confidant and friend. Summer vacations, trips to the park and birthday parties are always fun because of them.

Don and I want Julia to have fun growing up with family and relatives. We want her to be close to her uncles, aunts and cousins. We hope her world will be filled with love, laughter and good memories.

Our relatives used to be concentrated in Manila, Iloilo and Davao. But, now, we have relatives all over ? Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, UAE, Texas, New York and North Carolina. In spite of the distance, we have remained close and updated about each other?s life. Here are?3 ways to strengthen long distance relationships with relatives, which we do in our family.

Take Advantage of Technology

Facebook ? I created an exclusive group for my family. We post pictures, videos and status updates that only members of the group can view. We can group chat, too! Due to peer pressure (ha!), my dad and my mom have Facebook accounts so that they can view pictures and videos of their grandchildren.

Skype ? We use Skype not only to call my parents in Davao but also our relatives in other countries. One time, Don, Julia and I, who are based in Manila, had breakfast with my parents who live in Davao. This was made possible by Skype Video Calling. It was so awesome! My dad was laughing non-stop as Julia munched two bananas in one seating.

Unlimited Calls ? Our family and close relatives are subscribers of the same telecom network. So we enjoy unlimited call and texts. I talk to my brother at least three times a week, sometimes for more than an hour! When I miss my family and just want to talk to them, I call without worrying about the cost.

Make Time?

Most of my time is spent at work and with Don and Julia. Sometimes I neglect to text, call or chat with my family and relatives because I?m too busy or I?m too tired.

During weekends, I make it a point to drop a line or two at our Facebook Family Group Page. Though Facebook or Yahoo Messenger allows me to chat online, nothing beats the happiness I feel whenever I hear the voices of my family and relatives. So, I call my parents or my brother every week and I make it a point to visit them every two years.

Open Door Policy

Family and close relatives are welcome to stay in our house when they are in Manila for vacation. Though our house is small and cramped, Don and I love having them around. Even though we work during weekdays, we get to bond with them at night and during weekends.

Maintaining and strengthening our relationship with family and relatives is a decision we must make and commit to. It does not just happen. We must invest time and effort in order to build good memories with people who truly matter.

What do you do to stay close to your family and relatives?

Belle delos Reyes is an HR and Administration Manager by day, but a mom 24/7. She is the owner and editor of the blog, Cruisin? Mommyhood, a space dedicated to providing working moms with motivation, real mom features, and practical tips on parenting, and family activities.

Photo:?Joe Shlabotnik

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