How to Survive a Long Distance Relationship
Whether you’re in a long distance relationship or with someone at the same school, keeping your connection can be tough. And long distance relationships can be tougher. They are a LOT of work, but if you want to stay with your boyfriend, you have to put in the extra effort for it to last. If you’re willing to work on it, here are a couple of tips on how to survive, from someone who’s in a long distance relationship herself.
Be strong and independent! This is your chance to step out of your comfort zone, make new friends, and have your own life separate from your boyfriend. You get the best of both worlds – you already have the guy and you have your freedom!
Get involved on campus – if you’re sitting in your room and wondering what he’s doing all the time, your relationship is not going to last. You need distractions and you’re never going to like college if you don’t give it a chance. Join a club, sorority, or get a job so you have friends and aren’t thinking about him 24/7.
Try not to get into too many small arguments. If he mentions a group project with another girl, it’s just a group project – don’t take everything to the extreme. He will soon think that you don’t trust him which will ultimately break the relationship. Make sure that you’re letting him do his thing and not reading into his every move. You also need to be prepared that you will both be busy and not always have the time to talk to each other. It can get rough, but it’s that much more exciting to talk to him when you are both free.
If you can, visit each other. Obviously if you’re five states away, that won’t work, but if it’s reasonable, make the drive and go the distance. However, don’t leave school every weekend to see him; you’re going to miss the best part of being in college! When you don’t see each other for a while, it’s soo exciting to see him. Cherish every moment you have with him. You’ll soon find that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is a very true statement.
Surprise each other! Send each other letters and little goodies without telling him. You know there’s nothing better than getting mail in college – except for getting surprise candy from your boyfriend! And call them if you have a free second. Just a short conversation in between classes can brighten his day and hearing their voice will get you through the week.
Skype! Although it’s awkward at first, there’s nothing like actually getting to see and talk to your boyfriend. It’s not quite as good as actually hanging out with him, but that’s the next best thing. Try to have at least one date a week to catch up and hang out.
Even though long distance relationships suck, they’re worth it! Not everyone is cut out to be in one, so make sure that you can handle it before getting in too deep. It does get depressing after going a month or two without him, but you get to be with HIM in the end and there’s nothing more rewarding!