7 Major Keys to a Long Distance Relationship | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

7 Major Keys to a Long Distance Relationship

Let's ensure absence makes the heart grow fonder.

1328
7 Major Keys to a Long Distance Relationship
ClickHole

Long-distance relationships are sometimes unavoidable and love shouldn't be deterred by state lines or oceans. When you love someone it will transcend any obstacle thrown at it. With that being said, these types of relationships are not a walk in the park. Whether your partner left for college, a job, or a family emergency, it can quickly become a way of life. The important thing is not to let the distance make your love grow more distant, but fonder. Here are some major keys to keep the bond intact despite a number of miles that separate you from your significant other:

No. 1: Understanding.

Okay, so accept it. They are leaving for one reason or another. There is no point in arguing about whether or not they are going...you are past that. As their partner, they need you to support them in this difficult decision. It isn't easy for them either to uproot their lives and head off without you. Trust me, they'd rather not. But the key here is understanding that this is a challenge for them too and yet they are willing to walk through the fire with you over anyone else. Once you can understand their decision, it will ease your separation anxiety a tiny bit.

No. 2: Trust.

If you don't have trust in your partner, this will not work. Walk away while you're ahead now and jump right through the stages of a breakup. The levels of trust needed to make a long distance relationship work are countless. You have to trust that they won't cheat. You have to trust they are doing everything they can to return to you. You have to trust this move is nothing more than business and nothing shady. Lastly, you have to trust yourself to let them go. You can accept it but can you walk in it? You are also asking your partner simultaneously to trust you as well.

No. 3: Space.

The change of not being able to pop up at your significant other's house is an obvious one - the physical space between the two of you. You will undoubtedly try to overcompensate this loss of space with phone calls, FaceTime chats, Skyping, Facebook chatting, and every other way of connecting through other media platforms. In the words of Bryson Tiller, "Don't," because it's annoying and it speaks to a lack of trust (as mentioned previously) and insecurity. You won't be on the same schedule anymore and you might not get a text response every second of the day. But it's important that you allow them the space to do what they left you to do. Then in return, reasonably create time together to keep in contact and keep fostering that love.

No. 4: Keeping It Spicy.

Don't succumb to the idea of out of sight, out of mind. Keeping your relationship "spicy," or exciting, will help to alleviate the hardships of a long-distance relationship. A sexy voicemail, a cute picture, or a post only they will understand. Finding innovative ways to make up for the lack of physical intimacy while also not crowding each other will go a long way.

No. 5: Visits (Planned and Unplanned).

Long-distance relationships should not also, in turn, mean isolation. Make some time to visit each other whether at home, the new place, or a common vacation together. Nothing is cuter than that initial meet up after a long absence at the airport. So plan time together and if possible, in evenly spaced out time. Maybe even pop up once or twice on them unexpectedly at your own risk.

No. 6: Creating a common ground.

I found it a big help to create something you both do together at the same time to keep things going. For example, a TV show you can both catch weekly together and recap together after it's over. It's something so small but can easily have you both entertained and looking forward to next time. It will also help to keep you both grounded while everything else around you is shifting.

No. 7: Support.

There are going to be a lot of tears, frustrations, and times of loneliness on both sides. The major key is to never stop supporting each other. Honestly, the way your love will grow because of it is something you cannot quantify. Just know that if you both make it to the other side whole and still in love, that is your ride or die.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

11 College Misconceptions Every Incoming Freshman Needs To Know

Think of everything that you've heard about college... and completely forget it.

169
Helen Horton and friends
Helen Horton

College is a crazy, beautiful, amazing whirlwind. It is highly popularized in television and movies, but not necessarily in the most accurate way. Yes, there's frats, dingy dorms, raging house parties—but there's also a lot that people fail to mention.

1. If you thought that you knew how to study, you're wrong.

All of your classes aren't taught every day, so professors aren't on your case constantly about reading and memorizing material. Once you get back that "questionable" first exam grade, you'll kick it into high gear and figure out what works for you

Keep Reading...Show less
woman in black turtleneck shirt smiling beside woman in black shirt

Your mom: you can't live with her, but you can't live without her. You love your mom, but she is insanely predictable. Here is a list of things your mom has probably done.

Keep Reading...Show less
Girl With Bleached Hair
Tumblr

I've been a bleach blonde for over a year now, and let me tell you, it is a lifestyle. More hair appointments, longer showers, and special shampoo. But it is totally worth it!

1. Mentally preparing yourself to convince your hair dresser that white is the way to go.

2. Or the anxiety of what could go wrong by bleaching your hair at home.

3. You could either become a ginger

4. Or a pixie

5. The face you make in the mirror when you take off your towel to unveil the perfect white strands.

6. Taking a million selfies the day you bleached it, because you know your roots will be back in literally 2 days.

7. Having to get bangs or a big chop because your hair is so damaged.

8. Having orange highlights in between touch-ups.

9. Going out for a drink afterwards to debut your updated look.

Despite the struggles, you love your platinum blonde hair! You make sure Instagram knows it, too. You don't need a filter, because the color is flawless by itself!

Parks and Recreation
The Playlist

Finals: just thinking about them gives you anxiety. Only two weeks separate you from summer, but they're the longest of the semester. There's a familiarity to this season, now that you have had so many testing cycles under your belt. But that doesn't quell the ever present stress to pass your finals and your classes. Even better, as a package deal during these wonderful weeks, you get to wake up early to study and you get to take exams that can begin anytime from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Now that we have established that this week is not fun, here are some super relatable moments that punctuate finals week.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl partying
HeyMIkeyATL

I've been at this college thing for almost three and a half years, and while I thought that high school was truly the lowest point of my existence, I'm beginning to realize that it was a walk in the park. Like, I miss the days when the biggest white lie I told my parents was my made up excuse about being late for fourth period. These days, the white lies are a tad more complex, and as ashamed as I am to admit it, I've definitely told a few of these.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments