I’m currently doing long distance with my boyfriend and I’ve learned some really important things along the way to keep our relationship alive and happy. Long distance relationships can be hard because you don’t get to see your significant other every day. It can be hard to keep your relationship strong, but keep reading to find out the things that helped me and my boyfriend survive long distance during college.
Something that me and my boyfriend love to do is watch tv shows at the same time. Currently, we have been obsessed with Vanderpump Rules. We started this show together this summer, and he and I set a specific number of episodes to watch during long distances so when we get to see each other, we are in the same place and can watch the show together. When we facetime, it is always something we talk about. This show is very dramatic and crazy things are always happening, so even if we call each other, and don’t have much to say, one thing that we can always chat about is our show. I feel that this strengthens our relationship by keeping us connected and it also gives us something to talk about when not a lot is going on.Â
Making time for one another is also very important. I know that when you are in school, schedules become very busy, and you may not always have free time. Something that me and my boyfriend do is we try our best to facetime or call each other on the phone everyday. Him and I will communicate our schedule, and find a time to talk. Normally, this works out for us and we usually get to chat for a couple hours a day. However, there are days where he and I have a lot going on and we can not call. This is totally ok, you are going to be busy at some point and won’t have time. What is important though, is communicating your schedules with each other and making the effort to make time for one another.Â
Make sure you trust each other when doing long distance, as the distance can sometimes make you doubt. It is important to have these kinds of conversations with your partner. If you are worried about them going out on the weekends, tell them. Tell them your worries and what they can do to make you feel better. For example, asking to send an extra text or let them know when things are happening could make your partner feel better. These discussions are supposed to be uncomfortable, but if you need to be able to talk to your partner about things that make you uncomfortable. This helps build trust between you guys because now, the person is aware of your worries and can do things to make you feel better.Â
Sometimes long distance can cause arguments differently than arguing when you are together. The separation gets tough, and the communication harder. This is normal, however no matter what kind of argument, big or small, should not be ignored. Resolving fights is one of the most important things I learned. When you ignore problems in your relationship, they make bigger problems for your future, especially when you don’t see each other everyday. Resentment can linger, and you will find yourself in way more disagreements than before. Never go to bed angry with your partner. I know it is tough, but you need to solve things with urgency. If you feel like you are too angry to talk and need some space for a few hours, that’s ok and a great idea so you don’t say something you don’t mean out of anger. Take some time for yourself, or respect that your partner needs some space, and call each other to discuss later. This is something that is not easy to do, but at the end of the day, you guys both love each other and are on the same team.