Many of history’s greatest pen pals have had their letters published into books, and who’s to say people won’t look back on your loving texts the same way?


avocado toast) with everyone back home. This shows them that even as you en- counter all sorts of new and exciting ex- periences, they are still on your mind and that you want to share with them what’s going on in your life.


You may not be a poet but you can look to some of the greats for tips on how to express yourself. Many of history’s great- est pen pals have had their letters pub- lished into books, and who’s to say that people won’t look back on your loving texts the same way? People who thrive off words of affirmation will sincerely appreci- ate the time and effort you take to send them a lengthy message before bed each evening, or if you send them an email up- date on your life with photos attached. Of course, they can glean these details from your postings to social media, but the care and attention you take to put down something especially for them will never go unnoticed.


The voice message feature on WhatsApp is another great weapon in your arsenal of affection. You can send little voice notes at the press of a button so your friends can hear your quips, thoughts and ideas with- out interrupting their sleep or busy day. Sharing these experiences helps them to grow with you as you take on all the new things you see and do in your country.


People who respond well to words of af- firmation want to hear that you appreciate the work they do to stay in touch and stay close to you despite the distance. They want to hear that you notice and value the work they do to support you in your life abroad. More than anything, they want to know that you still care for them now the same amount, if not more, as when you used to see them often.


Pro tip: use iMovie or another similar programme to put together a mini film of some of the recent things you’ve seen and done with a personal message from you at the end. This will be an email your friends, family or partner will be thrilled to receive!


Acts of service and devotion: when actions speak louder


It can be especially tricky to demonstrate affection when you are so far apart, so when someone you love best receives love in the form of actions, you’ve got to get a little creative.


Similar to gift giving, showing you care through your actions is less about spend- ing exorbitantly and more about what it means. Something as simple as taking care of dinner for a stressed-out partner will feel like lifting the weight of the world off of them for that day, and takes little more than a well-placed call to their favourite local pizza delivery spot. That can be done from a world away and often for less than the cost of that Zara order you just placed.


If you’re looking to make more of a splash, consider hiring someone to help them. Is your mother overwhelmed with your younger siblings? Let her know you’ve booked a cleaning service to come take care of the house this weekend. Has your cousin just moved house and can’t for the life of him figure out how to put together his new Ikea thingamajig? TaskRabbit to the rescue – he’ll be so grateful for your help, even from abroad.


Pro tip: double up! Combine gift giving with acts of service by having a coffee table book made of all the photos you have together that they never got around to printing or framing. It holds cherished memories, looks stylish in their living room and checks that one thing off their to-do list.


Physical touch: let’s get physical


I’ve saved the toughest for last. Physical touch with the ones we love is something of which expats worldwide are deprived of. As our long-suffering family and friends can attest, we go long periods of time without hugging our dads, holding our partner’s hand or even tripping up our sis- ters in public.


Once again, all hail the technological ad- vancements of the 21st century! Apps like Touch Room are the solution for your loved ones who miss your touch. Dots ap- pear on screen where your chat partner is touching their phone and vice versa. Your phone vibrates when you touch your screens in the same place, sending a gentle notification that echoes the touch they crave. You both need to be in the app at the same time for this functionality to work. While we are still a few years away


www.focus-info.org


FOCUS The Magazine 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40