Everybody who has had experience with distance knows how tough it can be. Everyone deals with the distance differently. When getting in a relationship with someone that requires distance, nobody gives you a book on how to do it. It is just something you have to learn as you go along. Here are some tips on how to survive a long-distance relationship.
1. Be patient.
I cannot stress this enough. When we haven’t seen our significant other in a while, we start to get impatient. It seems worse, especially when you know when you’re going to see them again because time seems to go so slow. Just relax and keep yourself busy. Hang out with your friends or do things that keep your mind off of it.
2. Make a countdown.
Have a visual reminder of how much longer you have until you’re going to see your significant other again. It’s fun to wake up every morning and cross off another day.
3. Make FaceTime dates a thing.
Of course, FaceTiming is never the same as seeing them in person, but it’s second best. FaceTime is nice because you can see their face and hear their voice at the same time. After a long day of classes, or even just to catch up, FaceTime is a gift for long-distance relationships, even if your hair is in a towel or you have your makeup running down your face after first waking up.
4. Have an article of their clothing.
OK, that sounds really creepy, and I don’t mean a shrine of them in your room, either. Just one of their sweatshirts or shirts is always nice to have to have next to you when you miss them the most.
5. Respect when they don’t have time to talk.
Sometimes our lives can get busy and we can’t always be on our phones, and that really sucks when you don’t see them every day. As frustrating as it is, don’t worry about it. You will get the chance to catch up and talk.
6. Know that crying is OK!
As sad as it sounds, it is OK to be sad and miss your significant other. If you are anything like me, you may cry once in a while (or more than once in a while), and that is OK! It is OK to let it all out and be sad sometimes until you see them again. It just shows how much you care.
7. Keep them updated with your day.
It is almost like having them there, just not physically. Tell them about your day. Keep them updated on how your day is going, even the littlest things that happen. It really does help a lot.
8. Don’t be afraid to tell them how much you miss them.
Like I mentioned before, it is OK to cry when you miss them. It is even more OK to tell them about it. Be honest with them. Don’t keep it all in. It will help to talk it out and cheer each other up.
9. Go that extra mile.
In a long-distance relationship, you must want to go that extra mile, whether that’s sending them longer texts, sending them gifts in the mail or even going to the bathroom between classes just to call them. You better learn to be a better caller and an even better texter.
10. Don’t listen to anyone when they say it won’t work.
Of course, with any long-distance relationship, there are always going to be those people who ask, “Do you really think it will work with you guys being apart?” Our relationship is the same as everyone else’s, except there’s just a little distance between us. Only you two are the ones who are in control of it.
11. Send them things.
Sending packages in the mail is the most exciting thing, and so is receiving them. It’s always nice to show how much you care about them, and it’s nice to see how much they care about you, too.
And the most important tip to surviving a long distance relationship:
12. Trust them.
You should be able to trust your significant other. If you can’t, then maybe you should reconsider your relationship with them. Trust is so big in a long distance relationship since you don’t see what they are doing every day or who they hang out with. Trust what they tell you and who they say they’re with.
The only two people in this relationship are you and your significant other. Long-distance relationships can be tough, and they can definitely be sad, but if that other person is worth the distance, it isn’t all so bad. The late night FaceTime calls and quick “I miss you” texts in between class are so worth it when you see each other again. And who knows, maybe it’ll be a good story to tell in the future together.
