If anyone says long distance relationships are easy, then they obviously have never been in one. Any relationship can be a challenge, but when hundreds of miles are thrown in between a couple, it makes the relationship even more challenging. Here are a couple "ingredients" you need to have in order to create a lasting long distance relationship.
1. Honesty.
It is important in any relationship (local or long distance) to be honest. Honesty builds the base of trust within a relationship. Without full honesty, there can be a lot of insecurities, jealousies, and fears within the relationship. Be honest about telling your partner about your feelings, your struggles with long distance, what you are doing, and anything in between. Be open with your partner and it will only bring you guys closer.
2. Trust.
Absence can create paranoia within a relationship, but with communication and honesty, trust should be established. If your partner tells you something about what they are doing or who they are with, trust them. Don't argue with them just because of your insecurities. Don't think of the worst, it will only bring you stress.
3. Communication.
Make time to communicate with each other. In a long distance relationship, a couple obviously can't spend a lot of time with each other. Talking on the phone, texting, and FaceTiming are the only forms of communication that you can have. It is important to set time aside each day to spend time that quality time with each other. But there is such thing as too much communication. You two are living your own separate lives now, so it is okay that you aren't in constant communication 24/7. There is no need to overcompensate for the distance with constant communication. A little space can actually be a good thing. Haven't you heard of "absences makes the heart grow fonder"?
4. Commitment.
Being in a long distance relationship takes a lot of commitment. It is important to remember that your partner wants to be with you, if not, they would not be putting themselves through the struggles of long distance. With a long distance relationship, you have to either be all in or all out. There is no in between.
5. Effort.
Finally, long distance relationships take a lot of work to maintain. You have to invest your time and attention to your partner when you have the chance. Without effort, the relationship will not last. Also effort can't be made by just one partner; both partners have to work to communicate, be honest, and build trust.
I may not be in a relationship currently, but I have done the long-distance dance before. Just like when you bake a cake, you have to include all of the ingredients in order to have a successful product. You will always face challenges with a long distance relationship, but with these five core ingredients, you will have the ability to make it through the long distance with ease.
