Disclaimer: I am not a relationship expert and everyone's relationship is different. However, I hope this helps people going through long distance because I've been doing this since the summer of my senior year of high school.
As college acceptance letters are coming in the mail and students are deciding where they're going to attend in the Fall, some might be haunted by the question of what's going to happen to their relationship with their significant other. First off, I want to say PLEASE don't stress about it—whether your relationship is new or has been going on for some time now. Of course, this is easier said than done, and others will chime in their opinions on what you should do if you're conflicted on whether or not you can handle long distance. All I want to say is this discussion and what you decide is between you and your partner.
However, I vouch for giving it a shot because you never know where it could lead unless you try, and based on my own experience I'm so glad I did. Here is my story:
I'm from Northern Virginia, I met my boyfriend at the end of our senior year in high school. At this point, we had about a month or so left of school. We had both already committed to our schools, I would be attending a school in Pennsylvania while he would be going to a school in Virginia, meaning we would be over 300 miles apart. However, we didn't let this bother us, we just went into the relationship without worrying about college. By mid-June, we made our relationship official and were together almost every day during the summer. As summer was starting to come to an end, I began to get a little stressed about what would happen with our relationship now, but we both decided to give the long distance relationship a chance. Fast forward three years, and we're both juniors in college still making it work. However I will stress this, long distance relationships are not easy.
From the past three years of doing it though I feel like my partner and I have grown and have learned tips along the way:
1. It's college
By this, I mean exactly what it says, it's college. You and your significant other will probably go out on the weekends and that is fine. Most of the time that is how you'll meet your first group of friends because people on your dorm floor will want to go out, and you should go with them! Don't get annoyed at your significant other if they're going out, tell them to have fun and be safe, then you guys can talk about it the next day and laugh at the funny moments.
2. COMMUNICATION. COMMUNICATION. COMMUNICATION.
By communication, I don't mean you and your significant have to talk every second of the day, unless you're into that. However, if you're busy let each other know if you're having an issue talk it out with each other. Good communication skills will also give both of you an understanding of each other. Although communication is something people struggle with, it is a major key in any relationship.
3. Sometimes breaks happen, and that's okay.
Of course, this is something no one wants, and they're not ideal, but sometimes they can be necessary. Sometimes you guys will get so busy and it gets hard, or the relationships may get a little strained and you guys need some time apart to remember what you guys were doing in the first place. Breaks also don't mean breaking up, it can also just mean a little space, however, what the term "break" means to you and your significant other is something you and them will need to determine. Always remember though, if it's meant to be it'll work itself out.
4. Don't forget the small things and gestures of appreciation.
With the stress of college and the business of schedules, don't forget to tell your significant other how much they mean to you. It's always a happiness booster, especially when you start feeling those sad and miss you vibes. You guys can plan trips for when you're going to see each other, and it'll give you both something to look forward to. Another thing that's small and can show appreciation is sending care packages or having food delivered to their dorm, and these options are usually low cost.
