Entering into my first year of college, I felt judged for still being in a relationship with someone from my high school. Whenever I would tell someone I was in a relationship; they would ask me who it was expecting me to say to someone at the school and were disappointed with my answer of someone back home. Recently, my closest friend asked me for advice for keeping her relationship that is about to go long distance, and I thought I would share the advice I gave her:
- Find a middle point
A middle point would eliminate the amount of drivable distance and show that both of you are willing to make this work by driving the same amount.
- FaceTime at least once a week
With roommates this year, it is hard to find alone time to FaceTime your significant other, but it helps to check in with them and see their face every once in a while.
- Plan a meetup
I would recommend planning a weekend-long meet up if possible during a not so busy time of the year.
- Be honest
Be honest with your partner about how you are doing, and be honest with yourself about how you are doing. Not everything is perfect in college, and sometimes you need to talk about all of the bad things that are going on.
- Share new experiences
Going along with my last point, your partner wants to know what’s going on in your life. Not telling them will make them feel left out because they care about you and want to be involved even if they are not there in person.
- Find the right friends.
If this long-distance thing is something you would like to pursue, do not pick the friends who urge you to break up with them because you’re in college. Instead, choose the friends that want you to be the happiest no matter if you stay in the relationship or not. You deserve friends that are happy for you and want the best for you.
A lot of people told me these things never work out, but so far, I am very happy I kept my long-distance relationship. So my last piece of advice is new for anyone wanting to have a long-distance relationship: to do whatever makes you happy at the end of the day, whether that is staying in the relationship or not.