How to Survive the Long Distance Relationship

You all know how it works. You meet this great guy in the last few weeks of Summer, (or over winter or spring breaks) fall totally head over heels for him, and then pack up your bags and move back to Pittsburgh. So, now what? Do you break it off or try to make it work? I’m here to give a little bit of advice to the brave girls that choose the latter. Long distance relationships are tough! However, if it is with the right guy they are definitely worth it.
 
Tip 1: Don’t rush into ‘making it official’
If you just started seeing him you probably haven’t made it official after only a few weeks anyway (unless that’s the way you roll…). Instead of rushing into titles and making it “FBO,” give it a trial period.  If after a few weeks if you’re still crazy about him, then talk about making it serious and official. Don’t try to push or force anything on him either – long distance is a big commitment that both people need to decide for themselves if it is right for them.

 
Tip 2: Don’t be crazy
This is where I (and probably most girls) have the most trouble. Try to refrain from constant text messages. If they’ve made a commitment (or even if they haven’t, but they’re still demonstrating that they are into you), then they have already proven to you that they’re fully engaged in the relationship – you don’t have to check up on them every hour. I’m fully guilty of double or triple texting almost on a daily basis, so if you’re anything like me, make sure your guy can handle a bit of craziness if you can’t control it. Love makes us all a little bit nuts so don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself acting in ways you normally wouldn’t.  As long as you recognize it and can laugh at yourself (and him when he calls you 8 times in a row during your late night lab), this won’t break you.
 
Tip 3: Split the visits
My boyfriend and I usually visit each other every 3-5 weeks and we alternate in order to split both the cost and the effort. It’s definitely expensive to be traveling back and forth every few weeks and you will lose weekends on campus to do work. So,  be fair and alternate.

 
Tip 4: Utilize Skype!
I don’t know what I would do without Skype. We usually have a nightly or bi-nightly Skype session and I can vow that it really helps! Being able to see each other’s faces makes us miss each other a little less. There’s a big difference when you can see their body language, facial expression, and are able to read their emotions via Skype compared to simply talking over the phone. You may have to set aside a specific time for each other to talk but this an easy  task  that definitely pays off.  After all, you will need time to not only catch up on each other’s lives, but to continue to grow in your relationship as well.
 
Follow these simple tips, and you’re on your way to healthier, happier, and longer lasting long distance relationship. Happy romancing, ladies!