According to "the center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships," 4.4 million college students are currently in long distance relationships. Long distance relationships are not always the ideal situation for a relationship, but if you love the person enough, you deal with what you get. I have personally been in my fair share of LDR's, and I know that it is not easy. Sometimes it is lonely and hard to communicate like you would in person. However, the minute you see them again, you know why you waited so long. Long distance relationships are a test of your love for each other, and it usually makes the relationship even stronger in the end. You learn to appreciate one another, and you never take the time you have together for granted. Here are three rules that I have found are important to follow in an LDR.
1. Show a little extra love.
Relationships are hard work. Period. They are even harder when the person is miles away. At first, it's sometimes hard to adjust to a long distance relationship. You're so used to easily accessing them, and for some, this can be stressful. We are lucky to have access to so much communication today, so use it. Text them every morning, and Snapchat them something when you wish they could be there with you. FaceTime them every night before bed. Without a doubt, this will make your relationship and connection even stronger during such a hard time. It is important to show a little more effort in any distance relationship because it is not easy.
2. Plan something to look forward to.
Seeing them eventually is already exciting and definitely one of the "best" parts of a long distance relationship. If you and your significant other know that you're going to be away from each other for a long time, plan something exciting. Buy tickets to see your favorite band, plan a road trip together, or even just a nice night out to dinner for when you're finally together. Being so far from each other is really hard, but I have (personally) found that when I have something to "countdown" to, I don't worry so much about the time apart. Also, doing fun things like this together is what makes all the memories and it makes it all worth it in the end.
3. Remember: It is only temporary.
Knowing that one day you two will be able to reunite again is what long distance relationships are based on. Without that hope and excitement of seeing each other, it's hard to be happy in a long distance relationship. Whether it's two weeks or a year before you see each other again, know that it is only temporary. Especially If you're in a serious relationship, it is really exciting to know that one day you may not need to have a LDR.
