I'm not gonna sugar coat it guys, being in a long distance relationship is hard, but after successfully doing so for the past year and three months, I figured I'd impart my wisdom of what I believe to be some of the best ways to keep you and your partner close even if you can't be physically together.

1. Love Language Quiz

One thing that really helped my boyfriend and I through the beginning of this long-distance relationship was taking the love language quiz together. Being able to see what things your partner values and what they don't will not only help your relationship in general, but it will also help to avoid conflict. For example, if your love language is quality time and your partner's is words of affirmation, you may try to plan lots of things for you to do next time you see one another. However, what your partner might really want is just to hear that you miss them. I'm not an expert on this, but doing this together and talking about where your differences are really helps you to appreciate your partner more and love on them in the ways they can best receive.

2. Make A Plan

The worst thing ever is not knowing when you'll see your person next. Try to make sure not to go too long without planning the next time you'll see one another. This will give you both something to look forward to rather than just emptily saying, "I'll see you soon." The more proactive you are in doing this, the more likely you are to be excited to see them rather than skeptical about whether they miss you or not.

3. Communicate

I know everyone who's ever been in a long distance relationship will tell you this, but I want to flesh it out and be specific.

Make sure to communicate with your partner when something is bothering you. They can't read your body language or expressions when you're apart and may only partially be able to tell in your voice if you call. Whether it's big or small, talk it out with them. If you don't address it, and it starts to happen often, you'll eventually become bitter or angry about it - and you don't want that. They can't read your mind, so just be honest and open.

Aside from that, make sure to actually communicate with them. Call them when you miss them, and if they don't answer, leave a sweet message. Arrange Skype dates every once in a while. Text them good morning and goodnight. They want to hear from you, so don't check out on them and decide to never call. If you miss them, tell them.

4. Always Remind Them That You Love Them

I feel like this is an obvious one, but you'd be surprised how many times people start to not feel loved in long distance relationships. Even if it's just to tell them "good job on acing your exam" or telling them something you saw that made you think of them - put yourself in their shoes. Ask yourself if you'd feel loved and appreciated based on what you've been giving them, and ask yourself that often. If you don't feel like you would feel loved in their shoes, change things up. Don't let them forget that they are loved by you.

I hope these tips helped you guys. I know they've definitely helped me. For those of you that are struggling right now with a long distance relationship, I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you'll see your person soon enough.