Summer is approaching and many couples out there are experiencing the threat of long distance. You might be in college, having to return home for the summer, or your partner might be leaving on a long trip. Whatever your case may be, here are some tips to help you both through the struggle of distance:
1. Wait to text.
I know this sounds crazy, but take it from me--it works. I know it's easy to just wake up and say good morning and talk to each other throughout the whole day. However, this also leads to the slump of "So, what are you doing now?" Then you begin to think you have nothing to talk about, and that your relationship is falling apart. Wrong. You two have just been recapping everything that is happening to you all day, so you both run out of things to talk about. Wake up, say good morning, and then wait till the afternoon or evening to really begin chatting. This will give you both a chance to recap your whole day and you will have plenty to talk about until you fall asleep.
2. Don't be afraid to hang out with your friends.
It is easy to for people to sit in their rooms and be sad and miss their partners all summer. This will just make the summer seem longer, through. The best thing to do is keep yourself busy, and who better to do that with than your friends? Plus, they probably miss hanging out with you because you have been so wrapped up with your partner. Instead of counting the minutes until you and your partner are back together, get out and have some fun! It doesn't mean you miss them any less. It just means you are trying to make the days go by as fast as they can. However, don't go hanging out with those people that make your partner suspicious of you. That is asking for trouble.
3. Take the time to hear your partner's voice.
Technology is here to save couples who are dealing with the long distance. It's easy to get wrapped up in texting because it is the easiest option, but easy doesn't mean it's the best. Taking time to call or FaceTime your partner could be what saves your relationship. It's easy to forget about someone or feel like they don't like you anymore when it's just a screen you are talking to. However, hearing someone's voice or seeing someone's face gives you and your partner that extra encouragement and boost you need during the days away from each other.
4. Pick a new activity.
The days are going to drag on--it's inevitable. During those long days of missing your partner, you can start a new hobby, get outside more, take pictures, paint, read, or go to the gym. Find something you have always wanted to do that will make you a better person, and then do it! A new activity will keep you busy, not counting the hours until you see your partner again, and it will give you something to tell your partner at the end of the day. You just might find something you truly love that can change your life altogether.
5. Remind your partner that you are still thinking about them.
It's easy to text them and tell them how much you miss them, but it can also get repetitive and become less effective. Send them a letter or a package. You can even just leave them a sweet voicemail they can listen to when they get off of work. Just do something extra special to let them know you are still thinking about them and care about them. Doing so will avoid those annoying fights about one of you not caring anymore, and it will bring you guys closer, even with the distance.
Distance is a challenge, but it doesn't have to be the reason a couple breaks up. If both people are willing to put the time and effort into lasting the long distance, then it will only make the relationship stronger. Take these tips and enjoy the time apart, because when you both get back together it is going to be magical!
