So you are high school sweethearts moving off to college, or you fell in love at first sight and then realized you are not on the same campus, or maybe even in the same state. But you decide to stick it out “for better or for worse.” Now you just have to worry about growing together and not apart. How do you do that?
Read books
Take turns picking books to read. This will broaden your horizons without actually going anywhere. Say your boo loves Sci-Fi, but you love Romance (or maybe the other way around); taking turns choosing which book to read will ensure that both of you are enjoying it. Who knows, you may end up finding a new hobby.
Keep up with politics
With the presidential election upon us, you both should be voting for someone. Keep up with the debates — maybe over FaceTime. For some, this may be your first time voting. What a great experience it would be to be able to have conversations with your S.O. (aka Significant Other) about each person running for office, each of your opinions and pros and cons of each person gaining the Presidency. You are with your S.O. because they make you see things differently, right? Well, this is the perfect opportunity to help each other see different sides of the election. And, many couples, married or not, will get into arguments over politics and their political stance. Going through these debates early on and with an open mind will help to see if you will be able to get through the heated political conversations with your soon-to-be spouse.
Write hand-written letters
OK, I know…kind of cheesy. But, this is a romantic way to keep in touch and you will have a keepsake to save forever! Handwritten letters are a long-lost practice of communication. Nowadays we just call, text or email. Receiving a hand written letter would make your S.O. feel so special. The excitement that rushes through you when you check the mail and realize you actually got mail is thrilling. Wouldn’t you want to add excitement to your special someone’s day? Wouldn’t you want to put a smile on their face?
Talk on the phone
Our generation — the Millennials — is all about texting. Who needs hand written letters and real phone conversations when we have texting am I right? Wrong! About once a day you and your S.O. should talk on the phone about each other’s days and their upcoming events in the week. This will keep you connected and in the know with what is going on in each other’s life. A helpful hint would be to, in a different color, add your SO’s events to your calendar. This way you will be able to look at your calendar and know each other’s plans. This will help in the conversation too, “How was your doctor's appointment today?” or “How was your Chemistry test?”
Grow in faith
If you cannot go to church with one another then go separately. Afterward, tell each other what you learned and how it can help both of you in life. Read the Bible. Together, pick out a favorite Bible verse each week to live by. Growing in faith and strengthening your relationship with God will help you live a fulfilled life with your loved one. Pray for one another. Pray for you to grow closer to God as then He will help you grow closer to each other.
Make time to see each other
Making time to see each other can be tough. You are both taking 15 hours of classes, have a job, are involved in organizations and have friends to juggle. However, make time to see each other at least once a month if possible. Everyone needs a date night every now and then. Although you should be sure of yourself without your partner, life seems to feel better when you’re together. This is natural. You are in love. You wish to spend all the time in the world together. This is why you should plan time to visit one another. Meet halfway for lunch or dinner. Take a road trip for the weekend. Unfortunately, it may not be as often as you would hope but, always remember one day you won’t have to make the long drives, you will come home and they will be right there with you to talk about your day.
Read each other's essays
Everyone needs someone to read over his or her essays before they are turned in; why shouldn’t it be your S.O.? Hopefully, you are thinking your S.O. will be there for you in the long run so, if they are going to be helping you in the future why not let them help now? This will also help you learn more about each other’s major. You may not be interested enough to pursue it yourself but that does not mean it would not be beneficial and fun to learn about it through your S.O. Help each other learn something new and broaden your viewpoints. Their opinions may help make your work a little better—especially if your S.O. is great at editing.
Communicate
Communication is important in every relationship, especially in an LDR (aka Long Distance Relationship). Always talk to your S.O. about what is bothering or stressing you out, whether it is in the relationship or not. Sometimes stress will build up over time and you will begin to take it out on someone you’re close to—your S.O.. This will rupture the relationship. They won’t know why you’re attacking them and you’ll begin to hurt their feelings. All your S.O. wants to do is be there for you and help in any way possible. Let them know what’s going on in your life so they can support you.
