Long distance relationships are hard, but they can be so worth it in the end. Distance gives each person a chance to grow without the other not interfering. If you stay true to the other, your relationship will grow, but if you're feeling a little lost, here are some tips to help you when it becomes too much to handle.
1. Communication
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Communication plays a huge role in distance. In order to feel like you aren't growing apart, you need to talk with each other. You don't see them every day, so you have to communicate with them, even if it's just five minutes a day. Keep in mind, you don't have to talk to them 24 hours a day. It's all about balance.
2. Trust
First off, if you don't trust them, then just break up. A relationship is based off of trust. Without trust, you'll spend half of your college career worrying about what your significant other is up to. Don't be the girl who demands a text message or a call every second of the day. Be the girl who Skypes him late at night and understands when he has plans with friends and he can't text for a few hours.
3. Keep it fun
The last thing you want is for your relationship to get boring. Not seeing each other, often mixed with boredom, will lead to either an unhappy relationship or a breakup. Keep it fun by having impromptu Skype dates, mail each other packages or letters and maybe even start a Netflix or Hulu series together.
4. Stay positive
While the distance can get to you and can be very hard to deal with, you need to keep a positive mind. Once you start thinking negative, everything else goes down hill. If you truly want to be with them, it shouldn't be hard to work everything out with them.
5. See it as an opportunity
You need time to work on your future with no interruptions. You need time to grow as an individual. See this time away from your significant other to work and grow. When you are back together, you'll see each other and feel proud. Growth without them is a good thing.
6. Do things together
Even if it is a Skype call for 20 minutes once a week, it doesn't matter what it is. Play an online game against each other. I know my boyfriend and I do Skype movie dates. It's important to not get rid of "date nights." Keep things interesting, find things you both still like to do together and try to make it work.
7. Remember important dates
It is crucial to remember birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. You are so used to being together for important dates, but now, you're apart and still have to remind your significant other it's important to you. For example, on your anniversary or Valentine's Day, don't forget. Try an online flower delivery service, or mail them a cute care package to remind them you still care and miss them.
8. Let them in
It is OK to feel uneasy. They are feeling it, too. Just because they aren't there, physically, doesn't mean they aren't there. They want to help you as much as possible. It is OK to cry over the phone to them about how much you hate the distance – chances are, they will cry too. Its also OK to be happy about your new friend or job. They just want to be in your life as much as they can. They want to be there for the good times or the bad – you two are in this together.
9. Listen
If they call you bawling, you better listen; yes, even if you can barley understand them. If you don't listen in a relationship, there is no point. If they have a problem, just listen to it. Sometimes all we need is someone to vent to about a bad grade or a stressful class.
10. Respect
Everyone deserves respect. That's the bottom line: Respect them. If they are busy and can't talk right away, respect that. If they don't want to talk about their bad day, respect that, too. Your relationship will only work if there is mutual respect.
