I can be the first person to tell you that a long distance relationship is not easy; but then again, I can also be the first person to tell you that a long distance relationship is so do-able! Many stigmas claim that LDR’s are impossible or depressing, but guess what? They’re totally not. If you are meant to be together you will be together. Here are 5 tips for making a long distance relationship Possible:
1) TRUST:
Yes, I know, you have heard this a million times, but it is true. I believe that trust is the number one, most important aspect of a healthy long distance relationship- or any relationship for that matter. Don’t be one of those people who freak out and pace around their room when their significant other doesn’t answer their texts within an hour. Everyone has these moments at some point in their relationship, but while you’re day dreaming of him cuddling up to another girl, in reality he is probably playing Smash with his bros or better yet, doing the load of homework that you are avoiding by spending time over thinking. Trust is important. If you keep a tight leash on your significant other it will actually push him/her away. Nobody wants to be told what to do and nobody wants 130 texts when they look at their phone. Let them have fun and go out with friends, remember going out is not a synonym for cheating. If you just read this while leaving the second voicemail of the day, it’s time to build trust. It may not be the easiest task in the world but just think, if you are not doing anything wrong, he/she most likely isn’t either. If you love each other you should have nothing to worry about.
2) HONESTY.
Being honest goes hand in hand with trust. What is the point of even being in a relationship if you can’t tell your significant other everything? Being in a relationship is about having a best friend, your person to go to about anything and everything no matter how big or small. So when I say be honest I don’t just mean tell them if you make a mistake, I mean just tell them everything. If you feel like you may have made a mistake then let them know right away. Be honest about your feelings, if something bothers you, let them know. Be honest, tell the truth and work things out.
3) COMMUNICATION IS KEY.
Text, Call, Skype and Snapchat. You may be far away from each other but it is important to make time for each other. Sending good morning or good night texts is important, even if you can’t text throughout the day. I’ll admit, when I wake up 5 minutes before class and am brushing my teeth and hair simultaneously I may not be sending a sweet good morning text. But sending one as soon as you remember is just as important. Too much communication can be excessive, don’t try to talk every minute of the day, but I strongly believe that a couple phone calls or Skype calls a week are important. Stay in touch and care about what they are doing while you are not together.
4) HAVE FUN.
A lot of people think that when you are in a relationship it is impossible to have fun, but I am living proof that they are wrong. Just because you have a boyfriend or girlfriend does not mean that you can’t go to parties or hangouts with all of your friends. Just be aware, if you come into a situation that you don’t think will end well, (like sketchy guys a party), remove yourself from the position or learn how to handle it. Sitting at home and sulking about missing your significant other will just make things worse. It’s okay to have other friends and it’s okay to have fun.
5) PLAN YOUR VISITS.
What’s the best part about being in a long distance relationship? Seeing each other again! You spend weeks or even months away from each other, and you know what helps make the time pass? A date to look forward too. Pick a day that you guys can spend together. Make a cute countdown and text them about it when the day is approaching. Having something to look forward to is key and makes it feel less lonely.
Yes, I know all of this seems hard at times, but if this person is important to you, they are worth it. Even at the worst moments of being long distance, remember that you will see them in person at some point. Make the best of it, live your own life and still be a part of theirs.
“Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.”-Nicolas Sparks