My sweetheart and I met in high school, where the farthest we could be from one another was a fifteen minute car ride from one side of town to the other. But when he told me he wanted to go to school three hours away in Maine, my stomach dropped. I knew we had this strong foundation to build off of but this was way out of my comfort zone! After having gone two years at a University thirty minutes from home, I thought just seeing each other on the weekends was difficult. But we both decided that it was smart of him to go to this school. While I transferred to a community college back home, his community college up there allows him to live in a local fire house, learning and experiencing what his career entails and actually getting to do it on a daily basis. How could I possibly stand in the way of that?

Thankfully, he only has one semester left until we can be back together again, with his diploma in hand. I am so proud and so incredibly excited for him. I’m also proud of us for having come this far. Along this journey of ours, we have picked up a few tricks to make this distance work for us. Hopefully they will help you too, if you find distance starting to eat you up.

1. Communication.

Today’s day in age we are all SUPER easy to reach… sometimes to a fault. Thankfully for those of us who is not able to see their loved ones every day, this is a fantastic opportunity to stay involved in our partner’s daily life. Snapchat is one of our favorites, I send him real-time pictures of what I am making for dinner and he sends me a video of himself running at the gym. It gives you the opportunity to share in these moments with one another. Then of course there’s the obvious texts and calls you can use to check in with them. I think my favorite of all is the ability to Skype with them. Being able to hear their voice and watch that smile creep onto their face, just as you would in person makes it seem like they aren’t that far at all.

2. Don’t watch them leave.

One of the best bits of advice I ever received was from my friend Joslyn, who is currently married to a U.S. Sailor. (Hey guys!) She told me that whenever you are going to be parting for a long time, and you are saying goodbye… Don’t. Look. Back. Watching them actually go is one of the saddest things because it requires you to face the reality that you are not going to see those tail lights for days, weeks, or even months. Instead, say your goodbyes and turn right around. Go work on that lab report, that Netflix series, heck even just go take a shower. Anything that will occupy your mind and serve as a bit of a distraction helps immensely.

3. Reunited.

...and it feels so good!

Just imagine the feeling you get when you’re in their arms again. It is important not to dwell on the negative, but instead look at the positive! Odds are, you WILL be together again soon. The time will pass even though it feels like it’s taking its sweet time doing so. But that moment when you finally meet, makes all the lonely nights (and bowls upon bowls of Ice Cream) all worth it.

4. Keep yourself busy.

Between my own schooling and working at the hospital, I have managed to keep plenty on my own plate. In a way, it’s almost nice that he is off doing his own thing at school because it gives me the opportunity to be a little selfish with my time and devote more of it towards studying and getting things done for me. Not that our relationship gets in the way of that, but I know I definitely find myself putting things off so I can spend time with him. Because as fun as studying for Chemistry sounds, I would rather be out seeing a movie or going to a fair together!

Finding new hobbies is also a great way of keeping your mind off of missing your significant other. I started writing for the Odyssey just before the beginning of this semester and it has provided a fantastic new hobby. Spending time down at the firehouse at home, where I respond to calls as an EMT is also something I take such joy in doing. Going to church on Sundays is another one! As long as you have somewhat of your own schedule of things to do and stay busy, it will help you from just sitting and moping around wishing that they could be home with you.

5. Give yourself some TLC.

Sometimes it is necessary to use all your Lush products just because.

Whether it be indulging yourself in your new hobby or just taking time to do something you don’t usually get to do. I know when I am particularly melancholy one of the best things to do is clear my mind and treat myself. For some, that means a walk on the beach, playing guitar, or reading a book. For me, I love taking a hot shower and using all of my sweet-smelling, Lush products! (Hey, you feel good when you’re smooth and flowery, am I right?) Whatever your “you” time consists of, make sure to get some of that in there! Channel that want of loving up on your partner and put it towards yourself.

6. Make time with your friends and family.

Just because your other half isn’t around doesn’t mean you have to be a bump on a log! Go out and make plans with your pals! Whether it’s a weekly routine like going for walks and getting exercise with a friend, getting breakfast once a week at your favorite local diner, or maybe visiting your friends at their colleges for the weekend. Whatever it may be, this time that you would usually spend with your honey can be spent hanging out with your buds. Working on friendships is just as important as the way you spend time with the person you’re in a relationship with, so make time for them too! Also don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends whose significant other is far away. Not only will it give you common ground with that person, but allow you to have someone who knows what it is you're going through. I love to go visit my Grammy too when life gets hectic, or sometimes just because it's been too long since I have seen her last. That woman just knows how to put everything in perspective and make it feel alright again.

7. Have something that reminds you of them.

On my night stand I have a nice framed picture of us from my senior prom that I still cannot get over. It is my favorite picture of us. We look so young in it… which makes me realize how far we have come. Having that little reminder as I lay my head down at night means the world. Maybe for some its an article of clothing, like a sweatshirt that smells like them.

8. Set a Date.

or at least a rough idea of when you are going to see each other again.

Probably the second most important piece of advice I have to offer. This gives you something to look forward to and be happy about. When you part from your loved one, it makes saying good bye so much easier when you know that you will see them again after said amount of time. Jonah and I do this now, where instead of goodbye, we say “Ten days!” or “Two weeks!” to reinforce that this parting will not last forever. And it won’t! Having that countdown is such a good reminder of that.

As much as it might completely and utterly stink to not have them by your side, it is vital to know this is only temporary. That tomorrow the sun will rise and it will be another day off your countdown.

Don’t forget why you’re doing this either. Having this distance may be difficult now but it will add a whole new dimension to your relationship. When you two can get through obstacles together it only further solidifies the bond you have. Take it one day at a time, and remember there are far greater things ahead than any we leave behind.