As someone who had to return home for the summer only a few months into my first relationship, I understand the challenges that can come with being apart. Long-distance relationships take a lot of time and commitment in order to be successful, but if you can navigate one with your partner, then any other challenges you face together will become easier to conquer. They make you a stronger and closer couple, and you can learn a lot about yourself and your partner in this process.

1. Find things to do together besides just texting

This is something that really makes a difference. If you can find a shared interest with your partner—whether it be watching shows or movies, reading books, or playing video games—then I recommend pursuing it. It will give you both something new to talk about and look forward to and will also provide a stronger sense of connection. Texting is important, but it can get boring, so make sure you set time aside to engage in other things.

2. On that note, video-chatting is a godsend

Again, texting is a good way to have a continual dialogue with your partner, but sometimes it’s more meaningful to see their face and hear their voice. You’ll start to miss seeing your partner’s face, so being able to Skype or FaceTime with them will make even the toughest days worth it. Make video-chatting a special event so that, again, you have something fun to anticipate.

3. If you can, plan a visit with your partner

Unfortunately this isn’t something that everyone can afford to do; traveling takes time and money, and not everyone has either luxury. If you’re fortunate enough, however, it’s always a good idea to plan a trip to visit your partner or have them come see you. Nothing beats being able to spend time together in person, and this can help solidify the times in which you’re apart.

4. Communicate with your partner about your relationship

Long-distance relationships aren’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make yours work. Communication is key for any relationship, especially for long-distance ones. Be open and honest about whatever’s on your mind. Miscommunication happens easily in long-distance relationships, so be clear and try your best to talk through any issues that you or your partner are facing.

5. Talk to someone else about your feelings, struggles, etc

While it’s important to talk about your relationship with your partner, it’s also good to reach out to someone else for guidance. Friends and family definitely helped me get through the summer, but my support also from my therapist. There’s no shame in seeing a professional about your relationship because they can provide you with advice and coping mechanisms you hadn’t received before.

6. Learn to love being alone

Obviously, you’ll have a lot of downtime in a long-distance relationship, so it’s important to come to terms with this. Embrace the free time you have because once you do, it can be liberating. Being in a long-distance relationship grants you space and time you may not normally have. Of course, you’re never really alone, and you’ll always have your partner, friends, and family to talk to when you’re feeling isolated.

7. Invest time in yourself

Again, long-distance relationships allow you a certain level of personal freedom. When you become comfortable with this, you can truly reflect upon and learn a lot about yourself. You come to know what your needs are and how to effectively express them to your partner. You discover new interests and desires and have the opportunity to pursue them. You also begin to understand how and why you think, feel, and react to certain things the way you do, which can help you cope with and provide self-awareness for future problems.

8. Find new interests that will keep you busy

Boredom, for me, was the biggest issue I faced in my long-distance relationship. It leads me to feel both anxious and depressed, and it caused a lot of strain on myself and worry for my partner. Figure out something that you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t taken the time to explore because hobbies help fight boredom. Being busy allowed for me to keep my mind occupied and happy and helped the time pass quickly; it also allowed for me to talk to my partner about my new and exciting personal projects.