Long-distance relationships—three words that automatically make people cringe. The work, the time, the communication, the late-night FaceTiming. It doesn't seem worth it or like it will ever work, until you are in one.

Living just one state away from my boyfriend for the summer creates that long-distance relationship dynamic. It doesn't seem to be too difficult so far. I'll admit it, at first I had my doubts. Do we break-up for the summer and rekindle when school rolls around in the fall, or do we try things long-distance?

A novice at the dating game, and even more of a newcomer to long-distance things, I had my apprehensions. It was a weird transition to being on the same campus every day to barely seeing him at all over a 14-week period.

The Key is Communication.
It's basically the key to everything. You have to be open about what works for you and what doesn't. Do you or your significant other have an internship? That means you can't text constantly during the day, so late-night phone calls or FaceTime make up for the lost time.

There is Maturity in Understanding.
When you're living apart in different cities, states or time zones, everyone has their own schedule and obligations. Understanding that you might not talk to the person as much as you'd like is also key to making things work. It's fun to swap stories and tell the other person about your day at the end of your day!

Appreciate the Time You Do Get to Spend Together.
While summer isn't too long, being away from your "bae" for 14 weeks can be tough (sad face emoji), but the times that you do visit each other it feels much more special. You can do things in your city that you couldn't do on a college campus;You really reconnect and spend quality time.

The most important thing I've learned is to not take anything too seriously. Go with the flow, give long-distance a try, but be reasonable. If the distance is too hard, nothing is stopping you from re-kindling that flame when you get back to school.

Long distance will really challenge your relationships. If you find yourself not missing the person or not making time for them, chances are it isn't meant to be. As for me, absence is making my heart grow fonder (thanks Shakespeare), and I've also invested in a boyfriend pillow, just to make the long distance a little easier.