Sadly, there’s no way to sugarcoat long-distance relationships. Everyone knows they’re undesirable and almost no one would choose to be in that scenario if it could be avoided. But, sometimes it just can’t be avoided and we fall in love with someone who doesn’t live close. As someone in a long distance relationship, it gets tough. There are days you question your relationship and times you feel secure with your significant other. Nothing is better than being reunited and nothing worse than that dreadful goodbye. Whether you and your partner go to different colleges, live in different states or are one hour away, here are some helpful tips to maintain your long-distance love.
1. Establish your main form of communication.
Each couple has a different way of communicating. You may talk all day, only at night or half the day. You may talk through text, on the phone or through FaceTime and Skype. Any way you choose, your boyfriend and you should decide what works best for both of you. My boyfriend always sends me good morning text, maintains contact through texts during the day and ends the night by calling me on the phone. Overall, just make sure you’re making the necessary time to talk to your boyfriend or else your relationship may suffer.
2. Send care packages.
There’s no better way to feel closer to your boyfriend then by buying his favorite things and sending them to him personally. You don’t have to spend a whole bunch of money to make this work. Pick his favorite snacks, DVDs and maybe even something of yours he can hold on to. If it’s cold where he is send hot chocolate packets, marshmallows and a blanket. If you don’t send a care package, send smaller gifts here and there. When I knew 2k15 came out, I bought my boyfriend the game and had it mailed to him as a surprise just to remind him I’m thinking of him.
3. Keep yourself busy.
Nothing is worse than sitting around keeping yourself sad. Go out with your girlfriends, hang out with your family or take up a hobby. Sitting at home moping only makes you miserable. A happy girlfriend equals a happy relationship. For me personally, I throw myself into my schoolwork and student organizations. They keep me busy and out of my feelings.
4. Plan a trip to visit.
Just because you’re in a long distance relationship doesn’t mean your boyfriend should just be a pen pal. Make the relationship still feel real and take turns going to see each other. If he’s driving distance, you can probably make more random trips; if you have to take a plane, plan months ahead to fly out. This not only gives you something to look forward to, but will also lift your spirits in the meantime.
5. Try to end the distance eventually.
Like I said earlier, no one wants to be in a long distance relationship. For those reasons, you should be able to predict how long you’ll have to be apart. If you know you plan to stay in Chicago and your boyfriend plans to stay in another state permanently, someone either needs to relocate or decide to move forward. This idea may be hard to come to terms with, but eventually you’re going to want to see your significant other everyday. Save that conversation for a Skype date.
All in all, don’t let the distance be the defeating factor in your relationship, keep yourself busy but make time for regular Skype dates. Remember distance is only temporary and even the hardest situations will end eventually.
Image sources:
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http://www.saidaonline.com/en/news.php?go=fullnews&newsid=25736