Long distance relationships suck -- there is almost no room for argument there. Whether you and your significant other are an hour away or across the country, it's definitely not pleasant. I have three simple tips for surviving the time apart.
1. Set Time for Each Other
If you're in college and your significant other is at home, working, or also in college, it can be hard to set time for each other. We often put our schedules ahead of theirs or ahead of what the other may want. In order for the relationship to survive, you have to set time apart for them. An hour a day to talk on the phone or Skype is always a great way to set away time. If that just isn't possible with your schedule or theirs, just make sure that texting is used or try and talk on the phone for a few minutes each day. The less you talk to them, the less important they will feel and therefore, the relationship will suffer. IF they mean enough to you, you will ALWAYS be able to set time for them. Sure, you can still go out Saturday night, but try and call them before you head out.
2. Keep Them in the Loop
If you plan on going out at night or found a club that you are interested in at school, talk to them! Your other half wants to know what you're up to since they can't be there. If you don't tell them what's up, they will feel left out and feel less a part of your life. It can be hard to rekindle that "togetherness" feeling if you never tell them what is going on. It can especially be difficult if your other half is stuck at home or working all the time when you're out at school and getting to experience all that college has to offer. Remember that some part of them wants to be just like you and have all of the same experiences, but something has stopped them -- money struggles, never getting the right information, or maybe just lack of ambition. Nonetheless, never rub your experiences in their face. Just simply keep them in the loop.
3. Don't let the Relationship Change Too Much
Over the summer, you probably spent everyday together and did everything together. Although you may be very far apart, try to see if your school breaks line up together and spend that time together. If you aren't both in school, see if there is a way that they could come visit when there is a fun event on campus or go home when there is something exciting going on at home. There is a way to have a "normal" relationship even though you are far apart.
My boyfriend and I are trying to figure this out as well and these are the things we have noticed have helped us get through these first few weeks apart.
