So you’re starting your freshman year at college. You love your roommate, have a huge friend group, adjusting to college life well, and maybe even like the food. Everything is amazing. Well, kind of. Leaving for college meant leaving your partner behind, and in the moments when you’re not constantly distracted by friends and schoolwork, you find yourself missing them. So what now? You both thought this would be easy, but after realizing you’re not going to see them every day, you begin to think otherwise. Maybe you even overthink situations such as, “What if they find someone else?” or “Who are they actually with right now?” These thoughts can cause anxiety, making it hard to focus on your day-to-day tasks. It’s normal to feel this way when starting a long distance relationship, so take a deep breath, you’ve got this. As someone who is currently in a one year long distance relationship with my boyfriend, I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two. Starting out, long distance relationships can seem stressful, but always remember that your partner cares about you, and you two will work things out. It may take time; even my boyfriend and I are not experts at long distance, but what’s meant to be will be. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
When dealing with a long distance relationship in college, it’s important to first acknowledge that missing your partner is completely natural as college brings major changes that can stir up mixed feelings of excitement and sadness. Open communication is crucial. Make time for regular video calls, text exchanges, and photo sharing to maintain connection. Building trust is essential, so discuss boundaries and reinforce your mutual commitment to making the relationship work. Staying busy with classes, activities, and new friendships can help manage difficult emotions while creating experiences to share with your partner. Planning visits whenever possible gives you both something concrete to anticipate and enjoy together, whether exploring campus or simply spending quality time with each other. Remember to focus on the positive aspects of pursuing your education and personal growth, recognizing that distance can actually strengthen your communication skills and independence. While long distance relationships present challenges, they can ultimately deepen your bond and understanding of what you want for your future together. Embrace this chapter of your journey, knowing that maintaining strong communication and remembering the value of your shared love will help you navigate the distance successfully. While long distance can seem scary, it truly is rewarding knowing you have a partner that is willing to do hard things with you.