Having a long-distance relationship can suck. It's so hard not to see your significant other every day. Long-distance relationships aren’t for everyone; you and your partner have to be willing to put in a lot of time to make it work. Here are some tips on how to maintain, and even grow as a couple, while you are attending different schools.
1. Communicate every day.
The MOST important way to keep your love strong through the distance is to talk every day. Even if it's just for 10 minutes before you go to bed to catch up on your day, it is so important to talk every day to keep a sense of normalcy. If your long-distance relationship crosses into different time zones, it may be more difficult to find a time that works for both of you. In that case, leave each other voicemails to listen to. Even though texting is easier, and you will most likely text during the day, there is something about hearing the other person’s voice that makes talking on the phone more special.
2. Surprises.
As broke college kids, it is hard to pick up nice gifts to send to one another. Instead, try some cheaper but meaningful options. Send each other an “I miss you” card, a small flower arrangement, their favorite candy or just a letter to let them know you are thinking about them. Another idea is to get their roommate or best friend involved. Come up with a plan to have the roommate put flowers on your SO's bed, wrap their door in wrapping paper or fill their closet with balloons! There are tons of ways you can send a surprise to your significant other without breaking the bank, so do it!
3. Be honest.
It is unlikely that you and your significant other will never be hit on or flirted with at their school. It is always better to just let them know someone tried to flirt with you BEFORE they find out on their own. For example, if your friend makes a joke in front of your SO about that time that guy tried to kiss you at a party, and you didn't tell him or her, that moment will become really sketchy instead of a funny joke.
4. Visit each other.
Even if it is expensive, even if they are far away, find one weekend where you can see each other. Meet in the middle or visit their campus, do whatever you have to do, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to see each other. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until break to see each other.
5. Date Night
Try to plan a night at least twice a month where you can both FaceTime or Skype each other and simultaneously watch the same movie, read a book or both take your meals to go and eat with each other. It sounds a little ridiculous but it really is a great way to spend time together when you can’t be together.
If you and your significant other are worried about whether or not you will be able to make it work at college, don’t be! I believe it’s always worth trying because there is a great chance it will work out. It will require work, but it is worth it.
