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A lot of us know that saying goodbye to a significant other for some time while they go away on vacation is upsetting, but how about when they go away for college, move for work, or join the military?
My girlfriend is leaving for Southern Methodist University in four months to start her official college career after a year together at USF. I have been totally freaking out about her leaving and I have read probably every advice page there is.
What I took away from the advice pages are that making time and communicating are the most important things. I have come to learn that no amount of time will make up for the time we are going to lose and I have chosen to ignore the fact that we will not get to snuggle all the time. But I do know that all the struggles with be worth the wait because I love her just that much.
Photo: Kameryn Gannon
Long distance relationships can be easy or quite difficult for some couples, but it is not impossible. There will be ups and downs while coming to adjust to this big change. Couples achieve long distance relationships all the time, and you and your babe can be a part of that group. One of the best things to do in order to keep close to your S.O. is to set time aside specifically for phone calls or FaceTime chats. This can be in between classes or while on work breaks. Having this designated time allows for your undivided attention and reassuring your S.O that you’re committed to the relationship.
Do your hair, maybe a little makeup, and clean your room. Set up for a dinner date with your baby on Skype. Make some Chicken Alfredo, light a candle or two and have some fine wine. Let yourself enjoy an hour or two dining “out” with your baby and finish the night off by watching the same movie while on FaceTime.
With this newly found free time that you have, take some time for yourself. Go to a yoga class, catch up with some old friends or start a hobby you have always wanted to try. If you feel like being creative, send some unexpected mail to your S.O.; maybe a nice care package, some hand-written notes, or a few pieces of their favorite candy to let them know that you’re thinking about them.
Photo: WikiHow
So, we all know that a long-distance relationship works well when there is some, in-person contact every once in a while. So, saving up and planning a weekend to see one another will benefit both of you and the relationship so much. Make a certain amount of money each month in order to save up to buy a plane ticket and if you work more hours than you expected, go surprise them, that always steals their heart.
Lastly, if you both are away at college, or working in different states and plan to be together no matter what, make sure that you two are open about your goals and aspirations in life. Study abroad, internships and job opportunities may take you both even farther away, for longer periods of time and being open, honest, and realistic about these opportunities calls for talking about the future of your relationship. Communication is KEY.