Long distance relationships in college get a bad rap - most people think they're impossible. Most people don't even try to attempt them. For those that do, only half of them make it past Thanksgiving. People think long distance relationships are so hard that they are impossible, but it doesn't have to be that way!
Whenever I tell someone I'm in a long distance relationship, they usually reply with, "Aw, no. Isn't that so hard?" I reply, "Honestly, not really. Of course I miss him, but it's really not that bad!" Of course, there are times where I miss my boyfriend really badly, but I've found that if two people are really committed to each other, long distance relationships can be surprisingly easy and so worth it! Obviously long distance is not ideal, but when education and careers come first, it's something you have to embrace. Here are some tips to help you along the way!
1. Trust Each Other.
If you don’t trust each other from the start, game over. Might as well break up right away. Untrusting couples can barely survive relationships when they live close to each other, and the distance will just add fire to the flame. Having complete trust in one another is the most important thing for a long distance relationship to work. A relationship where you’re constantly worrying about what your partner is doing is not a healthy or stable one, and will definitely not survive the distance.
(I bought this cute keychain off Etsy!)
2. Communicate Often.
Even though you’re not physically in each others lives, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a huge supporter of your partner. Share your triumphs and your trials with your partner, and make sure to pay attention to their life. Don’t get so wrapped up in your own life just because your partner isn’t right next to you. Ask them about their day, and celebrate successes together. Be the best long distance cheerleader there ever was!
3. Swap College Gear!
You need some gear to be the best long distance cheerleader there ever was! Show your support from across the country. My boyfriend has an "Alpha Chi Kind of Guy Shirt" and I have a Vanderbilt stuffed animal!
4. Write Love Letters.
Yes, it is somewhat cheesy. Yes, you’re sick of writing for your English class already – but I promise, your partner does not care how grammatically correct your letters are. Although you may text often, nothing is quite like a hand written letter. Getting a letter in the mail gives your partner something tangible to look forward to, and is a medium that lets you get deep – way better than saying “I love you so much!” over Facebook messenger. Your partner will have something to read and cherish when they miss you – it'll be much better than some screenshot texts.
5. Plan Facetime Dates.
For the times between your love letter shipments, duh. With two busy schedules in different cities, it can be difficult to find time for a full conversation with your partner in which you can give them your undivided attention. Your partner deserves your full attention at times, and a quick Facetime call while you're doing physics homework and watching the Bachelor just isn't going to cut it. I find that if you don’t plan the time for these conversations, they might just slip away from you. Even though you can’t physically go on dates, planning time to Facetime is the next best thing. Of course, I’m not asking you to stay in every Friday night to Facetime your partner, but an hour long call every once in a while can go a long way. Actually watching your partner laugh out loud on video is so much better than that "lol" over text.
6. Exchange Photos For Your Rooms.
Although you can’t actually be in their room, a picture is always a nice reminder of them. Cute pictures can make lonely rooms seem a lot cheerier! We also like to send some postcards from our college towns, and exchange keychains from where we visit! I also got my boyfriend this cool glass cube frame that fits 3 photos.
7. Send Surprises!
Although surprising your partner may seem difficult to do long distance, getting a little unexpected package can brighten even their worst day.
Flowers! (Aw.)
8. Celebrate Milestones and Holidays!
Just because you’re in different states doesn’t mean it’s not your anniversary! Send gifts, Facetime, but celebrate in some way! My favorite is making handmade cards. Stay festive my friends.
9. Get the Countdown App!
A lifesaver for long distance relationships and impatient partners! Knowing when my boyfriend was going to come home made the wait so much easier. When the day of his return grew closer, I would check the app everyday. It gave me something to look forward to, and made the wait seem shorter. I used a free version of the app "Dreamdays." It lets you customize your background image!
10. Start A Snapchat Streak
A funny dancing video on the way to class also really brightens my day. The streak is also a great reason to see each other's faces everyday. Snapchat lets you be silly when you don't have the time to call.
Don't worry, we kept it going far past 100! My boyfriend and I go to school 2,000 miles away from each other, but honestly, it doesn't even feel that far. You can do it! But remember, these tips are just extra fun things that can make your relationship easier, but the really important things, like love, trust and commitment, must all be there first!
