Being a young collegiette with a significant other who is far away at college can be difficult at times. Luckily, there are several approaches you can take to make the time apart from your S.O. easier. Having both experienced long-term, long distance relationships, we’re sharing with you our tips to help your LDR flourish!
1. Respecting Space v.s. Being Needy
As we all know, being a college student is demanding. Our weeks are filled with classes, work, extra curriculars, athletics, and much more. Depending on the distance of your relationship, it’s possible that the two of you may even be in separate time zones, which means it is even more necessary to be aware of each other’s daily routines. Even if one of you is really busy, attempt to let the other know that now is not a good time to talk, but that you are looking forward to catching up about your day later in the evening. If your significant other doesn’t respond immediately, don’t worry, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. As long as you’re aware of each other’s schedules and give your significant other the time and space they need to handle their day, you will develop mutual respect. College is a time for personal growth, while also developing your relationship.
2. Knowing How to Spend Money on Your Significant Other vs. Breaking the Bank
All of us starving colleges students know the importance of trying to save money as often as possible. Sometimes we see something we know our significant other would love, but have to evaluate whether our bank accounts can handle it after the $500 rent payment we just made or the $200 worth of books we just bought. If you are unable to see each other for extended periods of time, a nice way to show your significant other they are always on your mind is to send them a care package with small goodies with things they like. This can be candy, a favorite food, or maybe even a drawing or photos from your last adventure together. During the school year, the little thoughts are often the ones that mean the most. As long as you are aware of your S.O.’s interests, keeping your eyes peeled can bring you to small gifts that won’t hurt your wallet too much. Once you are able to reconnect with your bf/gf, your little gift to show you are constantly thinking about them will mean the world to them!
3. Meaningful Conversation vs. Babbling Talks
Like we’ve said, talking to your significant other is vital in order to have a good relationship. This means that even when you are far apart and conversation during school days is sparse, make your conversations worth something! Gabi says that for she and her boyfriend, simply seeing each other’s face keeps joy in their relationship when they’re stressed with midterms and papers. FaceTiming with your S.O. at night after you’ve relaxed, or even just having a conversation about some interesting things you’ve learned about in one of your favorite classes that day is a good way to keep things going even if you can’t spend time with them face to face.
4. Sharing Personal Interests vs. Carrying Them Out Alone
If you’re in a relationship with someone, hopefully you have some common interests! Share TV shows, movies, sports, and other activities you enjoy with your significant other. Although some of these interests might be things you like to do individually, try to engage your bf/gf in them as much as possible, especially if they are far away. A good way to do this is to choose a book or T.V. show to watch “together” when you’re apart, as it gives way to a meaningful discussion. We are always continuing to understand each other better as growing adults, and connecting one another with our interests is a great way to do so.
5. Trying New Things Versus Keeping Routine
In order to “spice up” that long distance relationship, it is important to always be open to trying new things as a couple. For those of you who may be several miles from your significant other, a good way to get past the distance is to think of seeing your S.O. as something to to eagerly await. This means you may try to work harder to save money for a plane ticket, gas for that long drive to visit, or to get the majority of your school work done during the week, so that you can completely focus your time on each other. Try and plan fun activities together in between the times that you see each other so you have something to look forward to. Whether you go and try a new food at a restaurant, see a new attraction, go to the beach, hike, or even make a new recipe together, it will make a world of difference in how you and your S.O. cherish your time together after being apart.