I am a freshmen here at GU and I am still dating my boyfriend who I have been with for almost two years. When we left for college, we knew that it would be hard to stay in a relationship where we were separate from each other, but it was not worth giving up everything we had. We agreed that we will do what it takes in order for us to grow as people while we are physically apart together emotionally.
When we first arrived at our own schools, we realized that there were some major changes that were forced upon us that we were going to have to get used to. Being able to adjust to them all is going to take time, but if we are willing to put in the work, it will be worth it in the end.
So, if you too are considering a long distance relationship, think about these tips when you are talking with your significant other.
1. As sad as it may seem, your significant other will be making memories without you there. For some people that is hard to accept. In the past, you made a lot of memories together. Although it takes a little trust, you have to let go and allow your significant other to make memories with friends that they meet on their new journey. These memories and new friends are the ones that will keep your significant other feel less lonely while they are separated from you.
2. Facetime and talking on the phone is better than text. Text, as many have experienced firsthand, can be interpreted incorrectly. If you have a little time throughout the day to talk, a midday check-in is always something that the other will enjoy. Talk at the end of the day too, and share your stories from the day with each other!
3. Don’t force a conversation. If it seems that you are on the phone and the conversation seems forced or dead, either find something else to talk about or agree to talk a little later. It is okay, and completely normal, for some conversations to be dull. That is okay. Instead of getting upset with each other for not having anything to say, just know that you will talk again later in the day.
4. If your conversations are getting dull, like I mentioned in #3, come up with fun topics. Kinda like the game 20 questions. If they had an ideal day, what would it look like? What is their favorite class and why? What was one thing about their day that made them happy? Was there anything that made them sad or upset? Little questions like this will show the other that you care more than just asking how they are doing or what they are up to.
5. I personally think this is the most important tip: plan when you will see your significant other again. Yes, it might be discouraging at times when it seems like forever until you see them next. But having that date planned ahead of time will give you something to look forward to!
Long distance relationships are hard, that is for sure. Making sure that you are on the same page with the other person is a big step toward success. If you truly love the other person, making an effort and following these tips will not be too much to handle. You’ll do what you need to for the people that truly matter!