Q18. Your friend is moving to a new city. How do you stay in touch?

Exploring the Design Intent Behind the Quiz Question: "Your Friend is Moving to a New City. How Do You Stay in Touch?"

When I designed the quiz titled “Answer These Questions To Find Out What Type Of Best Friend You Are,” I aimed to create questions that would resonate with 18 to 34-year-old social media users in the U.S. One of the key questions in this quiz is, “Your friend is moving to a new city. How do you stay in touch?” This question taps into the importance of maintaining friendships, even when distance becomes a factor. The options provided in the quiz are meant to reflect different friendship styles, and I’d like to dive deeper into each one to explain the thought process behind their inclusion.

Regular Video Calls

This option speaks to those who value consistent and personal communication. Video calls allow friends to see each other's faces, catch up in real-time, and maintain a strong emotional connection despite the physical distance.

For those who choose this option, they likely fall under the Listener category. Listeners are the kind of friends who want to make sure they’re there for their friends, even if they’re miles apart. They thrive on that face-to-face connection, even if it’s through a screen. They’re probably the ones who schedule weekly or bi-weekly calls to catch up, ensuring that the bond remains as strong as ever. For them, the idea of staying connected means more than just checking in; it’s about being present and available to listen to their friend’s joys, frustrations, and everything in between.

In today’s digital age, video calls are a lifeline for friendships. They provide that extra layer of intimacy and connection that texts or emails just can’t offer. This option highlights a friendship style that prioritizes ongoing, meaningful conversations and values the depth of connection that can only be achieved through “face-to-face” interaction.

Plan Visits to Their New City

This option is for those who see friendship as an adventure, a journey worth traveling for. Planning visits to a friend’s new city shows a willingness to go the extra mile (literally) to maintain that connection.

Those who choose this option are likely Adventurers. They’re not satisfied with just talking or texting—they want to be there, in person, exploring their friend’s new environment together. For them, friendship is about shared experiences, and what better way to stay close than by visiting each other? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended stay, these friends see the distance as an opportunity to explore a new place and create new memories together.

Planning visits also reflects a proactive approach to friendship. It’s about taking action and making sure that the relationship doesn’t just survive the distance, but thrives because of it. This option highlights a friendship style that’s all about embracing life’s changes and finding new ways to bond, even when circumstances shift.

Send Thoughtful Messages and Care Packages

This option is perfect for those who express their care and love through thoughtful gestures. Sending messages, care packages, or even just little reminders shows that you’re thinking of your friend, no matter how far away they are.

Friends who resonate with this option are typically Motivators. They’re the ones who want to make sure their friend knows they’re supported, loved, and remembered, even if they can’t be there in person. Whether it’s sending a message just to say “I’m thinking of you” or putting together a care package with all their friend’s favorite things, these actions show a level of attentiveness and thoughtfulness that can make a world of difference.

For Motivators, friendship is about uplifting each other, even from afar. They understand that small gestures can have a big impact and that sometimes, a simple reminder that you’re cared for is all it takes to brighten someone’s day. This option showcases a friendship style that’s focused on emotional support and showing love in tangible ways, ensuring that the friendship remains strong, even when separated by distance.

Keep Them Updated on Your Life Through Emails

This option is a nod to those who prefer a more structured and thoughtful form of communication. Keeping a friend updated on your life through emails suggests a desire to maintain a steady and organized line of communication, where you can share the details of your life in a more reflective way.

The Brainiac friend type is likely to choose this option. They’re analytical, thoughtful, and often prefer communication methods that allow them to fully express their thoughts. Emails, with their capacity for length and depth, are perfect for this. It’s not just about a quick check-in; it’s about sharing stories, ideas, and experiences in a detailed and considered manner.

For Brainiacs, this method of staying in touch allows them to process their thoughts and share them in a way that’s meaningful and comprehensive. They’re the kind of friends who might send you an article they found interesting, or a detailed update on what they’ve been working on or thinking about. This option highlights a friendship style that values deep, reflective communication and maintaining a connection through intellectual and thoughtful exchanges.

Conclusion

The question, “Your friend is moving to a new city. How do you stay in touch?” was designed to explore the different ways people maintain their friendships when distance becomes a factor. Each option reflects a distinct friendship style—whether it’s the consistent presence of the Listener, the adventurous spirit of the Adventurer, the thoughtful gestures of the Motivator, or the reflective communication of the Brainiac.

These choices aren’t just about how you might stay in touch; they’re about revealing the underlying qualities that define your approach to friendship. Whether you’re someone who prioritizes face-to-face connection, loves to travel and create new memories, prefers to show your care through thoughtful gestures, or enjoys deep, reflective communication, this question helps uncover what kind of best friend you really are.

Ultimately, the goal of this quiz is to help you see how your unique qualities shape your friendships, even when life takes you and your friends to different places. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, there’s always a way to stay connected—and your chosen method says a lot about the type of friend you are.