My boyfriend and I have been dating for over a year now and with him being an hour away from school and living in Florida, we’re always long distance. He lives an hour away from State, so throughout the school year it’s not as bad in the summer when we’re across the country. Now that summer came two months early, we’re now thousands of miles apart sooner than expected. Long distance relationships aren’t easy, especially in college, but if your significant other means enough to you, you’ll make it work.
Some advice I have for those in a long distance relationship or those who are considering getting into one is considering whether you’re able to make the time to see your significant other. At first it was easy for my boyfriend and I to see each other consistently, but then our lives got busier and it became increasingly difficult to see each other with our conflicting schedules. It takes some time to learn how to balance school and your relationship because on one hand, you want to be with them as often as you can, but on the other hand you have to prioritize school and securing your future. Once you find that balance that works for your relationship it makes being apart a little easier.
It’s hard having to go weeks in between seeing your significant other, which is why I would recommend setting aside at least one weekend a month to spend together. Making time and planning activities to do together is important in keeping things interesting. Do laser tag together, see movies or go go-karting; it doesn’t have to be expensive, but having fun together spices things up. While I love being cuddled up for a weekend, I find it just as important to make memories with the little time you have together.
I know everyone has heard this a million times before, but communication really is key. Being able to express to your S.O. how you’re feeling goes a long way. Communication for everyone looks different, so in order to effectively communicate you need to take the time to get to know your partner in order to understand where they’re coming from.
For example, I happen to be bad at expressing my feelings with others and tend to let things build up until I explode. It turns out that just letting them know what’s bothering you makes a huge difference! All relationships go through rough times and being apart for so long definitely puts a strain on your relationship every once in a while but having the ability to talk through these times and work it out can make or break your relationship.
On the other hand, if you don’t feel that you’re willing to do these things, it’s okay to press pause on the relationship at the time. Unfortunately, knowing what’s the best decision for you at the time and making tough decisions is an essential part of adulting.
I may not be a relationship expert, but these are just a few things that I’ve found to be the most important in my relationship the last year. By making sure you’re seriously invested in the relationship, keeping things interesting and taking the time to get to know each other, things should run smoothly.