It's that time of year where everyone is starting to head back to school. It is an exciting time, but there are definitely more downfalls than just having to wake up early, doing homework, studying for tests, and having minimal time for a social life.

A lot of people get into relationships with people who actually attend the same school as they do, but that's not the case for many couples (me being included). To me, going back to school means going back to having a long distance relationship. I love my school for so many different reasons, but it kills me to have to be in a long distance relationship with someone for nine months out of the whole year.

Long distance relationships are a lot of work. If you have been in one or are currently in one you know what I am talking about. Here are 11 things you should do if you are in a long distance relationship.

1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

If you and your partner don't have communication, it will not work. Long distance relationships really rely on communication because it is the main thing to keep you two connected. Make a plan to where you both can talk to each other everyday. Not only is this important in helping maintain a long distance relationship, communication will be an important skill to have in any relationship whether it is long distance or not.

2. Trust Each Other

Honestly, you should not be going into a long distance relationship if both people don't have trust in each other. If you don't trust your significant other then why even be with them? No one wants to be in a relationship where you are constantly worrying about if boyfriend or girlfriend is telling you the truth about what they are doing, where they are, who they are with, etc.

3. Support

Supporting your significant other in a relationship in general is extremely important, but in long distance relationships, it is especially important. Support can be shown through actions, but it can also be shown through what you say to your significant other. Since you can't really show supportive actions very easily in a long distance relationship, it is necessary to let your significant other know that you are there for them, you are cheering them on to succeed, and that you are going to love them through anything.

4. Be Understanding

This one can be hard because many long distance relationships can put a lot of stress on both people in the relationship. Understand when your significant other needs a little extra attention. Understand when the other may be busy working, doing homework, sleeping, or just taking some alone time. It is important to invest in each other, but that doesn't mean you should forget or put off your other needs and responsibilities.

5. Miss Each Other

Don't forget to miss each other. I know that is kind of silly to say, but it is always important to recognize that your significant other is an important person in your life (hopefully) and its a good thing to miss them. It may sometimes make you feel sad to miss someone so much, but it is healthy and can be comforting to miss someone. Not only should you miss each other, you should tell your significant other that you miss them. I promise it will put a little smile on their face to know that you miss them and wish they were there with you.

6. Plan Visits

Make plans to take a weekend trip. Go visit each other at school or at home. Plan time to finally spend together. The best part about long distance relationships is finally seeing your boyfriend or girlfriend after having to wait to see them for so many weeks.

7. Do NOT Compare Your Relationship

Under no circumstances should you ever compare your relationship with other peoples relationships. This goes for people who are not in long distances relationships as well. The whole trend of #relationshipgoals has given such an unrealistic idea of what society thinks relationships should look like. Yes, some couples do outrageously cute things for each other, but that's not all a good relationship should be based around. Every relationship and every couple is different. Long distance relationships are especially different because it is not seen as a "normal relationship" in the eyes of most people. Long distance relationship are special. They teach you to love your significant other for who they are. They teach you to work hard in relationships. They teach you how to be patient. They teach you how to communicate. They teach you so many important things that you will need in a future husband or wife.

8. It's Temporary

I cannot stress this enough. The long distance will not last forever. If you love someone and you are willing to put in the work to keep the relationship going, then remember that it will not always be long distance between you two. Yes, it can seem too hard to handle at times, but if you can make it through the hard times now, you will easily be able to handle situations with your significant other in the future when distance doesn't separate you. As each day passes, you get closer and closer to not having to be so far away from each other. Focus on the future together instead of wallowing in the pain of not being able to be with each other as often as you would like.

9. Reassurance

Sometimes we all need to be reminded how loved we are. Being in a long distance relationship can sometimes bring up more insecurities and bring out more jealousy than normal. Remind and reassure your significant other that you love them, you are in this relationship because they are the only one you want, and that you would never do anything to hurt them. Comfort them when they need it. Comfort them when they don't need it. Reassurance is always appreciated.

10. Go Out Of Your Way

It can be a little difficult to do things for your significant when you are far away from them. Get creative! Send a hand written card in the mail, send packages just because, order pizza and have it sent to their house, or surprise them with a visit! People always say "Actions speak louder than words", but in long distance relationships, words are extremely important. Although what you say in long distance relationships are important, it doesn't hurt to try to SHOW your significant other how much you love and appreciate them sometimes!

11. Don't Believe The Stereotypes

So many people believe long distance relationships can't work. Don't let this discourage you, because the people who say that long distance relationships never last most likely have never been in a long distance relationship. Yes, it is hard work. Yes, there are many emotional break downs. Yes, you constantly are trying to manage time between school, work, sports, and making time for the one you love. Yes, it's lonely sometimes, but it is all so worth it. Love is worth it whether it's with someone you are able to spend every day with or if it's someone you can only see once a month. It is worth it and distance is only temporary.