You and your man have become inseparable. You live five minutes away from each other and have two classes a week together. But for the summer you are each going your separate ways, whether to an out of town internship or back to the rents’ house or summer vacations. The fact that you will be apart is looming over your head as the semester ends.
Time apart can be stressful for any couple, but it can also be a positive thing. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?
Coming from someone who has been in a long distance relationship, time apart can allow you to each have your own space, time to do things for yourself and give you a chance to miss each other. For a lot of new couples that haven’t spent time apart however, a few months can seem like a lifetime. Here’s what to do to keep your relationship strong all summer long.
Don’t be in constant communication
If your phone is going off every 5 minutes then you’re not giving each other enough space. One of the burdens of a long distance relationship is that your phone becomes your second boyfriend, which can be stressful if one person doesn’t respond right away or answer a call. If he’s at a party and doesn’t answer right away, don’t freak out. It’ll just add more stress to both of your nights and it’ll show that you don’t trust him enough for him to be out having fun with his friends and vice versa. Give your texting hands a break and enjoy the moment you’re in.
Do your own thing
Haven’t had much time to hang out with your girlfriends lately? Have a girls’ night or visit with old friends at home. Take some time to yourself and read a book without looking at your phone. With no classes and no boyfriend to cuddle with, you’ll find that you have a lot more free time to do all those things you’ve been meaning to do. Keep yourself occupied and remember that you can have fun solo!
Skype
Just like you do with your BFF who goes to another school, set up a time for a Skype date where you and your man can catch up on all the exciting stuff happening over the summer. And if you follow the first tip you’ll have lots more to talk about.
Get creative
If you’re going on a trip, send him a postcard or exchange letters back and forth. Send him a mix CD of your favorite songs or a picture message of something random you see throughout your day. Little things like this are often forgotten when you’re constantly together and they’re more personal than a simple text when you’re apart; making your bond even stronger when you’re miles away.