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Whether you’ve been in Europe for a while now or you’re a newcomer, knowing the drill of keeping up with friends and family in different time zones is tricky. Lining up the perfect time in both locations is hard when you’re on different schedules than each other. Dial up the balance of staying in contact with someone on another time zone with these tips.
Using an internet-based application such as Facetime, WhatsApp, Viber, Skype or Facebook Messenger to have a video or phone calls is a great method to call without wasting phone plan minutes. As it’s hard to stay on the same page, schedule a day and time every week for a virtual date. Sit down with a cup of coffee or a bite to eat on both ends of the phone. Put it in your planner and set yourself a reminder so that nothing interferes with it. If you and a friend are used to spontaneous calls, pre-warn them the days or hours you won’t be able to talk, so they aren’t surprised when you don’t answer the phone.
Of course, the messages don’t go unnoticed. If you’re busy and find yourself without time for a call, send a quick message, whether text or e-mail. Finally, be consistent. Although it’s easy to be overwhelmed in your daily life, try to find the time to relax over the phone with friends and family as consistent as possible.
Although tricky at first, once you’re on a schedule of contacting each other, it becomes less difficult to stay on track!
