When the end of senior year is finally in sight, high school students must accept their impending futures. Whether they realize it or not, couples have to decide if they're going to go their separate ways, or if they'll try to make their relationships work. If they decide to stay together, you can be sure that their friends and families will tell them "long distance never works out." Yes, distance is hard but it isn't impossible. Whether you're three hours apart or 13, you deal with the same challenges.
The First Goodbye:
Nothing will ever be as difficult as saying goodbye to the person you love. Before you part ways, spend time together. Make sure to enjoy every second of each other's presence in the time you have left. Savor each kiss and hold each embrace just a little longer. Remember to truly be in the moment together.
Making Time for Each Other:
In long distance, it's crucial to make time for each other. It can be hard transitioning from spending most of your time together to going weeks (even months) without seeing one another. Modern technology has created glorious gifts for couples in long distance relationships such as Skype and Facetime. Setting aside some time a couple days a week will show your significant other that you want to see them, even if it's just through a screen. Try to spend time talking without being distracted by your phones or whatever else is on your screen.
Communication is Key:
The secret to making long distance work is communication. Although it sounds easy, that isn't always the case. Because your partner isn't with you face-to-face, you have to communicate openly. If something upsets you, if you're jealous, if you have any concerns, it is essential that you voice how you feel to your boyfriend/girlfriend. Sometimes it can be hard for fear of upsetting the other person, but honesty truly is the best policy. If you aren't opening up to your significant other, they may feel like you're shutting them out. Not talking about issues is the Achilles' heel to anyone in a relationship, especially long distance.
Showing You Care:
An overwhelming feeling of helplessness can occur if you feel like you aren't showing someone you love them. If they're having a bad day, it can't be fixed as easily compared to the past because of the space separating you two. Whether you have a boyfriend or a girlfriend, small reminders that you care for someone are sometimes needed. If you have spare money, care packages can be used for a variety of occasions. Pinterest has endless examples of how to create care packages. You can fill them with notes, candy, goodies, even your t-shirt. If you can find a reasonably priced flower delivery service sending a beautiful reminder that you love them will certainly create a smile. However, college students have tight budgets. Letters have been around for centuries, but have recently fallen out of favor. Sending a letter out of the blue to your partner might be a great way to make their day.
Visiting:
If you're lucky enough to be able to visit your partner, do it! Although college is meant to be the time to learn who we are as individuals, taking time to visit your boyfriend/girlfriend isn't the worst thing. Skipping classes to be together isn't the best idea, but if you have a few days off visiting each other might be refreshing! Catching up in person and being able to physically be together is a great reminder of why you're trying so hard to make the distance work.
Is it worth it?
When you're young, nothing feels more challenging than long distance. You deal with friends, family, even peers who don't understand why you would stay with someone if you can't physically be with them. But they aren't in the relationship, you are. If it feels right, it probably is. When you meet someone who you love and trust completely, don't let a few miles apart ruin that. Any challenge can be overcome if you're willing to make it work for the person you love. Just remember, distance isn't forever- it's temporary.
