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5 Tips For Thriving In A Long Distance Relationship

My advice on not just surviving through long distance, but thriving!

mgiarretto15

May 29, 2019

University of Oregon

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5 Tips For Thriving In A Long Distance Relationship

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I never thought I would be the girl to thrive in a long distance relationship (LDR), but it turned out to be one of the best relationships I have ever had. My LDR eventually failed, but it was never the distance that was an issue to us. Long distance is not easy, but these tips are what kept me going strong in my own relationship.

1. Get creative while using FaceTime

FaceTime is an LDR lifeline. While it is awesome to just see your partner and chat with them, it is fun to break up the routine by doing something new. I recommend having FaceTime dates to speak, watch the same movie together, eat a meal together, play a game, go on a walk and describe/show what you see. Sometimes, only having your phone to communicate gets boring and frustrating. This will help give your relationship a sense of normalcy and help you and your partner connect and make memories through a less than ideal situation.

2. Send surprises/gifts that will remind them of you

In an LDR, I recommend sending little surprises or gifts to your partner throughout the time spent apart, not just on birthdays and holidays. This will help keep the romance alive and give them tangible things to remind them of you. Some ideas are, taking polaroids of things you do during your daily life and sending them with little notes of what the pictures are (it'll almost feel like they were there with you!), sending things that relate to any inside jokes or to something special to you two as a couple, or puckering up those lips with your favorite lipstick on and kissing some paper to send some "kisses" (I know it sounds weird, but you have to get creative in LDRs). These are all a bit more creative, but you could even go as simple as spraying a box with your perfume before sending it or a good old fashioned handwritten letter. Just use whatever fits your relationship best, and if you get stuck, look at Pinterest for more ideas.

3. Use the time apart to really get to know each other

Long distance is the perfect opportunity to have a lot of time to talk and get to know each other on a deeper level. Talking whether it be over text, FaceTime, or Snapchat is one of the only things you guys have as a couple. Use this time to ask the get to know you questions, or play get to know you games like never have I ever or would you rather. These will not only jazz up your next FaceTime call but also may allow you to get to know more about each other without any distractions. When it seems like all you have is talking, turn it into a positive and learn more about your partner, they may surprise you.

4. Use the time apart to focus on yourself

Sometimes, people can get wrapped up in a relationship and forget to make time for themselves; in an LDR you don't really have that problem. Long distance is also stressful and if you don't stay strong, it can break you or your relationship. Sounds like the perfect time for some self care am I right? I highly recommend trying out some new hobbies, working out, joining new clubs, strengthening your relationships with friends and family, and treating yourself once in a while to the occasional massage, mani/pedi, or wine in the bathtub night. Some of these things can help you grow as a person, and some are just good for your mental health, all of which is important while in a LDR.

5. Always have something in the future to look forward to

You probably think I mean the day when you finally reunite in a romantic whirlwind of emotion and passion. While yes, that is what every person in an LDR is looking forward to, I do not believe that is the best thing to focus on. Focusing on the day you're finally back together can make the time drag on, and may hinder you from enjoying the journey. I recommend focusing on the mini milestones, such as birthdays or holidays or anniversaries, or even your next FaceTime call. Things that are still exciting but are more short term things to look forward to than your reuniting day. This will help keep you upbeat and positive when you have little things to look forward to and in my personal experience helped the time go by faster.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Tips For Thriving In A Long Distance Relationship

My advice on not just surviving through long distance, but thriving!

​1. Get creative while using FaceTime ​

2. Send surprises/gifts that will remind them of you

3. Use the time apart to really get to know each other

4. Use the time apart to focus on yourself

5. Always have something in the future to look forward to

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

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6. The consequences of making bad choices.

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8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

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14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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