Every since I was a little girl I had thought that I would meet my first real love in college. My parents had done that, and I, therefore, was ready to find that person in college. However, things have changed. No love story is the same and over the past year, I have grown to learn that. Meeting someone right before you graduate, or move can be tricky. What is even more complicated is how you're going to make that love work.

Long distance is not easy. It is not solely based on FaceTime dates, and late night phone calls. It is sometimes stressful, discouraging and truly requires effort. I do not necessarily recommend a long distance relationship. However, if you love someone, even if its hard, you won't let go. Long distance is more than just an inconvenience, its a test of love, and these are five ways I have found to keep that love work.

1. Start your day good

This doesn't mean a 30-minute phone call or elaborate effort, but this means putting in the effort to make the start of your days good. Even if you just send a short text, or leave a voicemail to let your partner know you care. From what I've learned, the mornings of your day can make or break how your day might feel. If you have a great, positive morning, you're more than likely going to have a better day. If you are in a long distance relationship with someone, this obviously means you're willing to try. A short text or call is perfect to help hold that bond of love in the relationship.

2. Get personal

Everything nowadays is online or through phones. This can be incredibly convenient, but sometimes we need a break. It is nice in a long distance relationship to have something more than technology. Therefore, I think sending letters and care packages are a great idea. No one ever expects personal letters, so it's incredibly rewarding to get something personal from someone you care about. Even a small care package is a great idea to show them that you are putting effort and time into your love.

3. Compliment

In a long distance relationship, I have come to find that compliments are more important than ever. Since you probably aren't seeing that person a lot, it's incredibly reassuring to hear how much you are loved. Of course, we don't need compliments, but it is nice and also a great form of flattery.

4. Communication

Communication is key. This is probably a phrase you've heard already, but it's true. Communication is essential in any relationship whether you are 10 miles apart, or 700. This doesn't mean you have to constantly text or always know every detail of your partner's life. You don't. Communication is a good form of trust and involvement in the relationship. Updating your partner on your life, feelings, and emotions is essential because sometimes it is very hard to read people when they are so far away.

5. Trust what they say

Trust is honestly the hardest one on this list. Trust is not something that is easy for most people. It takes a lot of time to gain trust, and seconds to break it. Trust is fragile. But if you're going to be in a long distance relationship, you need to trust that other person. Another thing that is important, is to trust yourself. Be aware of your actions, and don't be careless. Trust is vital to growth in a relationship, especially in a long distance one.

All of these things are important in order to keep up with a long distance relationship. However, there are many more things you need to do in order to keep that relationship healthy. Every love story is different. If yours involves a couple of months of long distance, then so be it. If it's really meant to be, it will work out. I know it's hard, but after some time, you'll truly recognize if its worth it. Or if you're lacking on these topics and more, maybe you'll realize that it's time to move on.