You know, when I supposedly got myself in an LDR over a year and a half ago, I was very skeptical.
Like, one of the things that I told myself during my study abroad in France was to not date a foreign dude again, because the last time that it happened, it did not end well.
Nevertheless, I surprised myself again when I took life by the vagina and went with the flow (NOT LITERALLY.)
What I mean is, despite trying to build an anchor to guard myself from being in another geographically inconvenient relationship, the sense of adventure and novelty that experienced through my travels won the battle and the ship was set free when I found myself in front of a Mediterranean sunset with my soon-to-be new beau.
It’s kind of how those things work, you know? It’s never something you plan for your life, but once you’re in it, well, you’re kind of in it.
However, before diving into the relationship there were a few things that I had in the back of my mind regarding why I shouldn’t be in an LDR. For instance, will the different time zones be too difficult to handle, is either of us willing to move at some point or will it just be a waste of time, how much would we really see each other? The list goes on.
Do you know what wasn’t on that list?
HOW WOULD WE DEAL WITH A FREAKING PANDEMIC DAMMIT.
Regardless, it is what it is and I can’t really take pity on myself because there are a lot of people who have it way worse than a girl that can’t see her boyfriend. Still, for those of you that have found yourself in a similar situation and had to cancel your plans to see your SO, I feel you. Here are some tips on how to deal with an LDR (LockDown Relationship lol) during a worldwide Pandemic:
1. Better Yourself
You should always be working on yourself, regardless of whether or not you’re in a relationship. I think the biggest silver lining for me during this pandemic is that I now have so much more time to do things that I’ve been putting off forever. Whether that be reading that book that you told yourself that you were gonna read, or even learning a new language if you’re really up for the challenge! Who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to communicate with the locals on the next trip with your SO!
2. Find a creative outlet
This kind of ties in with tip #1, but find a creative outlet! This would have to be my number one way to pass the time during this lockdown. I’m pretty sure the last time I picked up a paintbrush to create a piece of artwork just for myself was like, three years ago or so (which is really sad!). When I finally did, it felt so nice to unleash that creative side of me again, and you should too! Because maybe, just maybe, when you pick up that paintbrush or instrument, or whatever it is, the world will feel okay again. You could even do it together! Both my SO and I have been trying to get better at the guitar and it helps to have things to talk about that we’re both doing.
3. Work out
Work out! Do it! With Zoom University and everything being online, we’re probably doing a lot more sitting and a whole lot less moving. Also, it’s no surprise that working out releases endorphins and makes you feel happier in general. Take some time every day to get a quick workout in, or go on a walk in nature if that’s more your vibe. Once you arrive at the airport your SO might not even recognize you.
New person, who dis??
4. Make some future plans
Although we can’t really make set plans with your quarantined cutie during this lockdown, that doesn’t mean that you can’t make any plans. This time too shall pass and it’s always nice to have some things to look forward to once this is all over. Whether that be plans for yourself, plans for you and your SO to go on that future trip, or just a list of mundane things that you can’t wait to do with your SO once you’re in the same city again.
5. Spend time with family (if you can)
This doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you are lucky (or unlucky, depends on how you define it) enough to be quarantined with your loved ones, take that as another silver lining during these weird times. I know that a lot of people are in isolation by themselves at the moment, so if you do have loved ones around you, don’t take that for granted.
6. Save that $$$
Real talk. These are hard times for a lot of people, and I am in a privileged position to be with my parents at the moment as a student without worrying about how I am going to survive. But if you are lucky enough to have a remote job, or still have a job, take this time to save up that coin because being in a long-distance relationship does come with costs that can’t be ignored. If you want to be creative, maybe think about different ways to save some money. Whether that be freelancing, selling your clothes, or even starting your own business that you’ve always wanted to start! The world is your oyster if you want it to be.
Pandemic times are hard for long-distance relationships, and it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but hopefully, these tips will help you get through quarantine, and you’ll come out of it as a better version of yourself.