High school seniors across the globe are frequently reminded of the looming date circled on their calendars known as “college move-in day”. For those in relationships, it is also commonly known as “break-up day”.
Now, before you start freaking out and fear your relationship is forever doomed, there is a secret that is key to a good, healthy relationship that most people don’t know about, and it’s that relationships don’t have an expiration date, so don’t give them one!
First off, and most importantly, discuss your true feelings. Take into consideration your feelings towards one another and your relationship status, how long you’ve been dating, and if you’re both willing to put in an equal amount of work into the relationship, because it won’t be easy. Both people need to know that if relationships take work, long distance relationships take ten times the effort. If both people can say they are going to give it their all, then you’re already on the right track.
The second step to a lasting long-distance relationship is positivity. If both partners go into the relationship with negative thoughts and fear that the relationship won’t last, odds are, it won’t. Nothing can kill a relationship faster than doubt. If you’re having any second thoughts or worry, the relationship won’t work; you may as well end it now and save yourselves the fighting and misery over the phone. I’m sure your roommate doesn’t want to hear it either, so spare everyone’s feelings and time and don’t drag out something that is already broken. If you love your boyfriend or girlfriend, let them know! It’s hard enough telling the person you’re dating how much you care about them in general, but when you’re miles away from each other, nothing is a better reminder than a quick text or phone call saying something sweet, letting them know you thought of them, or just saying that you love each other. It sounds cheesy, but it’s the little things that matter.
Communication, communication, communication. Did you catch that? A popular excuse people today like to use is the old, “we’ll never be able to talk or see each other so we can’t possibly continue dating.” This, my friends, is a complete load of crap. This is 2011, not the dark ages. We don’t need to send messages on carrier pigeons; we have tons of ways to see and communicate with one another! What with talking on the phone, texting, Facebook, Twitter, and Skype, it’s almost impossible not to talk at least once a day. Nothing is worse than feeling left behind or forgotten, so get creative! Weekly Skype dates or surprise visits are always a great way to keep your connection with each other strong. Even a quick phone call between classes to catch up on your day can leave an impact. Pick out a song that reminds you of each other so every time you hear it, you’ll be reminded of the person you love!
Don’t tempt yourself, stay away from things that can lead you to make bad decisions. Parties are fun, but make sure you’re not alone and always have friends to hang out with. Drinking can also lead to nights of regret, so the term ‘think before you drink’ can really come in handy. Obviously, people are bound to have friends of the opposite sex, it happens. It’s not a crime. Let your boyfriend or girlfriend know that you’re with other people, there is nothing wrong with making friends, just don’t hide who you’re with or what you’re doing, that always ends badly. Just make sure boundaries are set between opposite sex friends so no one gets set up for failure. Jealousy is understandable, you’re constantly with people they don’t know; try not to get mad if they’re regularly checking up on you, it’s just to make sure you’re okay and still thinking about them too.
If you can pull through the beginning of the relationship that just means your relationship is bound to last! Distance doesn’t have to mean disaster. Love can handle anything, whether it be a fight, a tragedy, or a little distance between the two of you. It can pull at your heart strings sometimes, but distance makes the heart grow fonder, right?
Edited by: Katelyn Kivel