As somebody who’s been working through a long distance relationship, I know how hard it can be to make love last—especially when all you hear are horror stories about how your friends have already broken up with their boyfriends after two weeks, and everyone you know is telling you how “college is the time to meet new people” (thanks, Mom and Dad). But if you and your significant other have decided to give long-distance a try, trust me it’s not impossible. The following can make the next few weeks a little easier.
1. Trust
I can’t start this list without stressing how important it is to trust your boyfriend while you two are apart. Sometimes you can’t help but wonder if he actually misses you or if he is thinking about you constantly like you’re thinking of him, or—worst of all—if he’s out with some other girl. The important thing to remember is that you and your boyfriend have already been through a lot, and both of you want to make this work. Give your boyfriend the benefit of the doubt because he cares about you.
2. Technology
It’s no shock that technology is a huge part of our lives, and it’s crucial in your long distance relationship, too! With so many different ways of communicating (texting, calling, FaceTime, Skype, SnapChat, and many more), you can talk to each other anytime and anywhere. You can set up a schedule to talk to eachother face to face once a week or set up Netflix dates to watch the same thing at the same time so you can talk about it—props to your boyfriend if he’ll sit through Gossip Girl with you…again.
3. Snail Mail
I’m not saying you need to pull a Noah from The Notebook and write your significant other a letter everyday for a year (P.S., we love you Ryan Gosling), but a little hand-written snail mail can mean a lot to your boyfriend every once in a while. It just shows him that you miss him and that you’re thinking about him. (Quick Tip: Sprits the letter with a bit of your perfume and include a picture of the two of you inside. Put on some red lipstick and smooch the paper a few times so that you can “send him kisses.” It’s a cute touch that he’ll appreciate!)
4. Gifts
If you two have an anniversary coming up, your boyfriend is having a rough week, or he’s made it really clear that he misses you, sending him something could make his week. After all, no gift from you is a bad one! It doesn’t have to be an expensive one, either. Pinterest is full of DIY ideas that are cute and cheap (every college girl’s favorite words). Make him a photo album of the two of you or send him a care package with all of his favorite things. He’ll appreciate any effort you make!
5. Surprise Trip
This one can be tough. If you have a car, take a road trip to see him. If you can spend the money, buy a plane ticket to pay him a visit. If you’re at Chapman, then you’re lucky enough to have the train station nearby and can be with him within a few hours (don’t forget the 10% off student discount at checkout!). Obviously, there’s nothing like spending a little time with your man, and nothing feels better than to hold him close after some time apart. Just make sure that if you’re surprising him, you know what his schedule will be like on the days you visit.
6. Hope
Yes, a long distance relationship is hard work. But all good things require hard work! And what’s meant to be will be. For now, enjoy your time together! Who knows, maybe this will bring the two of you together!
Good luck ladies!