Been in this situation several times. Unfortunately, we're no longer just a phone call away from each other. We've all gone our separate ways and now live quite far apart, I'm in California, one friend is in Texas, and another is in Illinois and even a few other states. Although we mostly catch up over the phone for important matters, we also plan trips to visit each other when someone is going through a tough time.
It's good to have a few people to rely on and I enjoy being one of those my friends (and others) feel is dependable and the sort of person they feel comfortable coming to for a friendly, objective and honest ear to listen to them when they need. With technology one doesn't need to be in the same place either.
I enjoy being one of those friends too, and I'm lucky enough to have a few friends who are just as dependable. We can be friendly, objective, and honest with each other. Technology really helps when we’re not in the same place; it’s hard for me to imagine what my situation would be if this were 30 years ago when it wasn’t as easy to keep in touch with friends. I don’t have many friends where I currently live since I moved away from where I went high and college.
Having people we can rely on makes a massive difference to a person I think. I don't trust many people, they have to earn it, but those I do are dependable and I feel comfortable opening up just a little.