Key to keeping friendships alive different for men and women, scientists say

For women, phone calls can keep long-distance friendships going, but men need to meet face-to-face, study shows

Much like a long-distance romance, it can be difficult to keep the spark alive in a friendship with someone living in a different city. Now scientists say they have uncovered the key to staying close - and it appears to be different for men and women.

Men need to meet up face-to-face and bond over activities, according to the study of students leaving home for the first time, while for female friendships, long phone conversations can bridge the physical distance.