Alright so you’ve met someone that’s the love of your life, and now you don’t know what to do. Don’t worry, I’ve got this. This is just a list, of course feel free to do your own thing, but I know this has so far worked for me and my sometimes long distance relationship.

1. Set boundaries.

So not everyone can handle talking about everything in their entire lives at once. Set some ground rules and limits when it comes to what’s off limits.

2. Create an open and honest communication expectation.

This seems easy, right? Well when you’re apart for 7 months, open and honest can turn in to closed and hostile. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s right for you and your new relationship!

3. Make your expectations of each other known.

The more open you are about what your expectations are, the more your partner can understand. I know for me, this has been a challenge because of working a high stress job. I need more of the physical love and can’t always be provided with that.

4. Have fun.

Don’t let people push you around! You’re in love, be free, enjoy it.

5. Don’t always listen to everyone around you.

This has been a big thing in my relationship because we value others opinions and expectations, if we aren’t living up to that it tends to cause conflict for us, but honestly, block it out. People can be so mean to people in love.

So these are my top five things to make a relationship work. Obviously, you totally don’t have to listen to these, but just at least listen. My love and I have made 7 months, with 5 of them being long distance. We must be doing something right, right?