Maintaining friendships can be challenging, especially when you add in being an adult with responsibilities. It’s one thing when distance comes into play, but it’s another when you factor in careers, personal growth, and unexpected life changes.
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele’s longstanding friendship is a perfect example of how even the closest relationships eventually evolve, not just physically but creatively as well. In a recent interview with People, Key reflected on his past hit comedy sketch series that ended on Comedy Central nearly a decade ago. While Key said that he and Peele “shared a creative language,” he also revealed that the comedic duo “don’t see each other that often anymore,” adding that they live on different coasts. As of now, Peele resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Chelsea Peretti while Key and his wife Elle, live in New York City, According to Key, the distance is a “tragedy” but he also acknowledges that “your lives start to evolve and move in different directions.”
Nonetheless, Key and Peele’s relationship status isn’t new. In fact, the experience is something that adults face every day. Often, those changes can mimic Key and Peele’s situation with a shift in residence or interests, careers, and family lives. In addition to their addresses changing, Key highlighted that their work interests grew from comedic relief as they drifted into other genres.
“Our evolution, I think, is tied to both of what our desires are,” Key said. “His desire was to start exploring the horror genre, and my desire was to do more dramatic work like I had been trained in school.”
Long-distant friendships are a testament to how careers, relationships, and location can change the nature of your connection to an individual. However, finding shared interests and having mutual respect for each other can withstand any circumstance, including significant life changes. In today’s society, where things tend to be more fast-paced, it’s essential to understand that maintaining your friendships requires more than just having love for one another. So, to help you navigate your long-distance friendships, check out our compiled list of tips and tricks.
- Acknowledge The Change
- Prioritize Communication
- Educate Yourself On Using Social Media and Technology
- Find Shared Hobbies And Interests
- Embrace Your New Life
- Maintain Mutual Support
- Be Honest About Your Feelings
- Respect Each Other’s Schedules
- Make Future Plans
- Be Flexible And Make Time
