Freshman Year of College: A time for independence, freedom, and love. You thought the fun would never stop and the suddenly classes end, spring turns into summer and you find yourself packing up your dorm room to move back home. So what do you do when you no longer live floors away from your significant other but instead, miles and miles apart? I interviewed three couples (including my college sweetheart and I!) who met during their first year at Suffolk and asked them how they are going to combat the long distance blues.
Names: Julia Dacri and Joe Benjamin
Months Dating: 5 months
Hometowns: Holden, MA and Atlanta, GA
Distance Apart: 1,090 miles
How did you two first meet?
We met in an intro to communications class and hit it off right away. The rest is history.
What will be the biggest challenge of a long distance relationship?
The 1090 miles… And not being able to sleep in the same bed as each other. We both have this issue where we can’t sleep without each other anymore since we’ve become so used to it over the past few months.
What will you do to keep the spark alive over the summer?
We plan on facetiming everyday and writing letters to each other(so old fashioned). We’re also trying to visit each other as much as possible
Do you have any advice for couples who are going through the same thing?
Make sure you have open communication and talk about any issues you’re facing. Chances are your partner is feeling the same way.
Names: Nikki Ellis and Kevin Fabrizio
Months Dating: 9 months
Hometowns: Colts Neck, NJ and Kennett Square, PA
Distance Apart: 106 miles
How did you two first meet?
We talked briefly online and then we met at orientation. We were in the same group which was kind of uncanny. We were together over the summer and talked about everyday before we moved in.
What will be the biggest challenge of a long distance relationship?
When we started out together we were long distance, but it’s definitely not easy. It’ll be harder because we’re used to being here together. The hardest part will be not being able to do little things, like just watch a movie or grab coffee. Everything has to be planned.
What will you do to keep the spark alive over the summer?
Last summer we sent a lot of care packages and letters. He also sent me a handful of mixtapes with different stories attached to each, stuff like that helps alot. We would facetime and talk. Also visits for sure, we’re planning some already.
Do you have any advice for couples who are going through the same thing?
I guess try to visit, it’s nice to be able to see the different side of someone’s life, outside of college. Also mail is really nice, it’s exciting and fun to put together packages and such. Don’t put too much pressure on it, if you can’t talk everyday or stick to a certain schedule of time to talk, don’t sweat it. Just know you’re always thinking of each other and show them you care even though you’re apart!
Names: Alexis Mikulski and Alec Costanza
Months Dating: 4 months
Hometowns: Belchertown, MA and Revere, MA
Distance Apart: 108 Miles
How did you two first meet?
We officially met at the Dunkin Donuts across the street from the Statehouse. After which he stalked my instagram for months before working up the courage to talk to me.
What will be the biggest challenge of a long distance relationship?
Not being able to see each other everyday and our summer work schedules. The only time we have free is the weekends and it will be much more difficult to see each other when we are no longer only two flights of stairs apart.
What will you do to keep the spark alive over the summer?
We are going to try and visit each other as often as possible. But other than that, texting and phone calls are of utmost importance. They are a great way to just check in and see how the other person’s day is going.
Do you have any advice for couples who are going through the same thing?
Don’t give up! Long distance relationships can be very challenging at times but as long as you stay in contact and understand that it’s only a temporary state, you’ll make it through the summer months! It also helps if you have a dog…