Relationships are hard. Now imagine dating someone who is miles, states, even countries away. Not easy, is it? Tons of people, like myself, face the daily struggle of wanting to be with their significant other but not being able to. So how do we all make it work? Well, some of us do it better than others, and some days are easier than most. We deal with the hard days because we know just how good those good days are. There's a few tears and a lot of love involved in the process. As far as a magic potion goes for long distance success, I have yet to find one. But I've got an algorithm that comes pretty dang close.
1. Effort.
When you can't be together all the time, it is extra important that you put in the effort to make your partner feel loved. Whether it be something small like sending that good morning text or something big like surprising them with a visit, these acts of kindness all matter and mean that much more.
2. Patience.
Is a virtue. And when it comes to long distance, it is a must. Because you can't be together all the time, your communication takes place through other mediums, whether they be through texts, email, letters, Skype, a phone call, etc. Either way, it is not as good as that face-to-face contact. It is easy for things to be miscommunicated, and easy to get frustrated. It's important to be patient with our partners, not jump to conclusions, and realize that not being together makes everything ten times harder. So take a deep breath.
3. Trust.
Of course, you saw this one coming. It's the most obvious and in some cases the most difficult. It's hard to be vulnerable. It's easy to get jealous when your partner chooses a night with the bros over a night talking with you. You have to trust that your partner cares about you, and trust that they want to be with you, even if they can't be.
4. Humor.
Probably the most essential component of any relationship. You have to be able to laugh. Given all the stress a long-distance relationship can cause, it's so important to be able to have that comfortable down-time, where you two can relax and be yourselves. These are the moments you two will treasure.
5. Adventure.
Find your own adventures and do them; heck, make everything an adventure: trips to the grocery store, walks in the park, ice cream at a local shop, anything can be fun if you put the effort into it.
6. Romance.
Duh. Keep it alive, my friend. Little things like notes on their desk or a dinner date can make all the difference. You have to treasure the moments you do have together, and taking the time to do something special really pays off.
7. Communication.
Finally, it's the key to any relationship, but especially a long distance one. You have to be willing to put in the effort for those phone calls and texts, because at the end of the day, that is what is making up for all the time you can't have in person. You also need to be willing to share and communicate your feelings. Even though it's difficult, it is so crucial.
Anyone who is in a long-distance relationship will tell you it is worth it. For some it may seem like too much effort, but to us, it's become our normal. In conclusion, do what makes you happy, folks! Don't let anyone tell you your relationship can't work.
