This is a crazy time for everyone. Toilet paper is nowhere to be found, school is switching online, Zoom calls are everywhere, and for those of you in relationships, you're having to be away from your significant other for a unknown period of time for maybe the first time ever. So how do you get through it? I'm going to tell you. As someone who's been doing long distance since my relationship with my boyfriend started, I've learned a few key tricks to making it through along the way.

1. Don't Stop Communicating

This one is major, even more so if you and your partner have never been apart like this before. The biggest advice I can give you is to get it out of your head that you're bothering them. It's really easy to assume they're doing something more important and don't have time to talk to you, but chances are your call or text will make their day. If you feel a disconnection, don't hide it, be honest. It's no one's fault, it's just a difficult situation, but hiding your feelings makes things worse. It's better to convey that you miss someone or that you're struggling because they'll be more sensitive to it and won't upset you more on accident by not giving you the attention or love that you need in those weaker moments.

2. If You Haven't Already, Take The 5 Love Languages Quiz

This one was really a key for my boyfriend and I. Knowing how important certain things are for someone can make a huge difference. For example, if your partner's love language is touch, they might be struggling a bit extra with the distance because they don't have that as an available option for communication. While this doesn't define every single person the same way, it's good to talk about your results together to see what you each value, and in cases such as these, what you feel like you're missing. I cannot recommend this quiz enough - it's really an eye opener not just for couples but for yourself as a person.

3. Plan Dates

Yes, you read that right. Plan some fun dates for both of you to go and do when this all is over. Better yet, plan some dates for while you're stuck inside. Phone call dates, video chat dates, whatever you can think of - and get creative! You can have a video chat date over dinner, get dressed up (and lucky for you, it would only need to be from the waist up so you can leave your comfy sweatpants on), and then share your screen and watch Netflix together. Have something to look forward to by doing a quick call every night before bed that way you both can hear each other's voices and talk about your day. It's definitely a little weird at first, but virtual dates are just as sweet!

4. Go "Old School" And Write Them Letters

The mailman is still driving around these days, so take some time to write some cute letters to your boyfriend or girlfriend. Color them a little drawing and throw it in there, spray the letter with your cologne or perfume, personalize it in a way you know they'd really appreciate. It's not only something sweet to do given the situation, but those letters are something you can keep later on to remember that you guys got through this difficult time together.

While this situation is definitely hard on everyone in a lot of different ways, make sure you remind your significant other that you're there for them during this time and that you're not going anywhere. Even just sending them a picture that makes you think of them goes a long way. Stay safe everyone and don't forget that communication is key!