How does one survive living 15 minutes away from their significant other to moving two hours away?

Long distance relationships are never easy, no matter how long you have been in the relationship, or how far away you are relocating to. So how do you make it work?

1. Cherish your time together

When you and your partner make the time to visit each other, make sure you make the most of that time together. Ask one another about your new experiences living your new lives, and try your hardest not to hold any resentments towards each other. Hold each other close. Hold on to the anticipation of being reunited again soon.

2. Don't Overthink.

Overthinking is inevitable. With social media being as powerful as it is, when someone sees an image on Instagram or a video on Snapchat, it is easy to forget that it is a distorted depiction of what actually happened. Do not make assumptions or rash decisions before asking your significant other what actually happened. Most importantly, do not create scenarios in your head that aren’t actually real-life problems. That will only make matters worse.

3. Trust.

Long distance often makes one person in a relationship question another’s trust. This can lead to some major issues all around. It is important to remember the memories shared between you and your significant other, and be confident that what you share an endure the tests of trust that long distance presents.

4. Occupy yourself.

If your partner is out doing something of question to you, do not sit around by your phone refreshing social media and waiting for a text. Take that time to look inward and do things that are positive for your mental health (i.e. reading, writing, coloring, hanging out with friends, etc.) Putting too much focus on what your partner is doing can pose as an emotional and mental danger to you, causing more confusion within. Taking the time to nourish yourself will provide more clarity within your relationship.

5. Say "I love you." A lot.

Reassurance is key. Telling your partner that you love them often is one way to ensure that the relationship stays happy. You might feel as if you are over saying it, but can you honestly say “I love you” too much? Love is something that should never be taken for granted, and something that might be get said too often when you and your partner are not together physically, which is why it is important to declare your love often. After all, who doesn’t like to be told they are loved?

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but what they don’t tell you is how painful and testing it is. No matter what anyone says, there are always complications when dealing with distance, but follow the tips above and it might be easier to endure.