Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? Are there really any perks to being in a long-distance relationship? Yes, there really are! Not only does absence make the heart grow fonder, but also stronger. Long distance relationships can be hard, but it can also be a worthwhile challenge. Here are some tips to make the challenge a little bit easier!
Make Time for Each Other
Even from a distance, communication is still the most important part of a healthy relationship. Have a Facetime date once a week, or once a day. Even if it’s just for five minutes before bed, it’s important to make time to talk to each other. Make time to talk about the big things, and even the little things. It’s important to be able to share your days, even if it’s via a phone call. School can get pretty overwhelming, so be considerate if your S.O. gets busy and can’t call one night. It’s all about finding a healthy balance that works for both of you.
Enjoy Your Independence
Unfortunately, you can’t spend all of your time waiting around for the next time you get to see your partner. For your own sanity, it’s important to keep doing things that focus on yourself. Go on your own adventures, and then take pleasure in sharing the stories with them. Having your independence will only bring you closer together. Being apart means that you have time to work on your personal and professional tasks. It’s important to remember that you still have yourself, your friends and your family – so take this time apart to do more with them.
Learn to plan, plan & plan!
Waiting to see your significant other can be hard. Make use of your extra time by planning your next adventure together. Planning ahead about the date that you will see each other next will give you something to look forward to. Make a list of fun things that you want to do together when you finally see them. You always need something to look forward to, so learn to plan ahead!
Prioritize Your Time
When you finally get to see each other, make sure that you appreciate the time when you are able to be with them in person. Stay on top of your schoolwork and finish any upcoming assignments before you get together so that you can actually engage with your significant other. Take a break from your busy work or school schedule, to focus on loving your partner. When you finally get to visit your partner, it will be quality time.
Be Honest With Each Other
It’s important to talk to your partner about your feelings. Whether they are good or bad, make time to share your thoughts with each other. Be open and honest. Let your partner help you and give you the support you need. Long-distance relationships can certainly be challenging, but they can also be rewarding. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, so be real with each other.
Go the Extra Mile
Some days, you have to go the extra mile for your S.O. if they had a tough day or if they’re feeling down. Equally important is that your partner should be doing the same for you on the hard days. Everyone expresses their love differently, so don’t get caught up if you’re texting 100 times more than your partner is or if your partner visits you more often than you visit. Don’t keep score between you and your partner, you each have to put in the work and do what you can to make it work.
Long-distance relationships have perks just as much as they have hardships, but trust and making time for each other is worth it in the end. It can be difficult, but if you are both willing to try your hardest, you can definitely make it work!