Question: I’m in a long-distance relationship and I was wondering how YOU think I can keep my guy happy. Thanks for your help! –Anonymous
First and foremost, you’re very welcome, Anonymous. Beautiful name, by the way.
Long distance relationships are complicated. More often than not, they result in one of two things:
1. An Indie Romantic Comedy starring Michael Cera
2. Stalin’s Russia
We’ve all heard the saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” But, absence can also make the heart grow bats*** crazy.
Nobody wants to date the girl who quintuple texts her boyfriend asking him where he is, who he’s with, and what he ate for 4th meal, etc. The same goes for any guy.
To be in a happy, prosperous long-distance relationship, a couple needs to reach a mutual understanding of what they expect from each other and then let go.
Highlight that: Let go.
For couples, there is no more difficult concept than freedom, the ability to express yourself outside of your relationship. But, it’s worked for America and it can work for you too!
If you truly love this young man, then you have to understand that he is a young man. He wants to hang with the guys. He wants to go out. And he should allow you the exact same opportunities.
Now, don’t get me wrong. When I say, “let go,” I am in no way suggesting unfaithfulness.
If you have the testicular fortitude to commit to a long-distance relationship, then there’s no excuse to castrate yourself the minute you step off the plane.
And yes, temptation is everywhere.
You have no idea what Zooey Deschanel does to me. It’s torture.
You will be tested and he will be tested. There are no excuses for either one of you. Faithfulness is cut and dried. You either honor your partner or you don’t.
But, at the end of the day, people who deserve each other stay committed to each other. If you can’t handle the responsibility of a little space, then you can’t handle the responsibility of a “real” relationship.
So, if you want both you and your guy to live to see happily ever after, then enjoy happily ever right now.
Don’t pass up the experiences that will define your four years here at Mizzou by sulking and somehow exceeding your cell phone’s unlimited data plan.
Show him you love him everyday, but not every minute. It’s amazing how quickly you can love somebody into not loving you.
Anonymous, I have complete faith in you. You seem like a wonderful girl. It says a lot about a person when they’re willing to commit to something that’s miles away.
But, in your relationship, never let nostalgia supersede accountability, and never let another person supersede self-respect.
Being in a long-distance relationship doesn’t just mean committing to someone else, but also committing to you.
Let me know how it goes!
B****boii Update: I am happy to report that my fish is still living. In the coming days I plan to change up his diet in an effort to increase fin muscle mass. We’re going to stick to red and white meats. My last attempt at feeding him salmon proved to be traumatic for everyone involved.
Next Week I Answer: Who do you think is more clingy, guys or girls and why? – Anonymous
Keep throwing out questions, guys! If it’s something you wouldn’t ask your Grandma, then it’s probably perfect for me!
Photo Credits
textanova.com – fansshare.com