If you’ve never been in a long distance relationship, you’ve probably heard that it is extremely hard. But if you’ve actually been in one, you know that is not the case. It is actually 1000 times harder than you think. My boyfriend and I are fortunate enough to live only an hour and a half away from each other during the school year, but during the summer it gets pretty tough because we are four and a half hours apart. Here are a few tips to make your long distance relationship work:

1. Communication

My boyfriend and I try and Skype every night, but if something comes up and we can’t, a simple old-fashioned phone call is an easy alternative. Talk about the good and bad things that happened during the day. I promise if you start talking about how stuck-up and rude that girl in your English class is, he will pretend to listen and care.

2. Trust

A relationship is nothing without trust, especially when it comes to long distance. Go out with your friends on Thursday nights! Having fun is what college is about, am I right? And don’t get upset with him when he wants to go out with his buddies. Guys need their guy time. As long as you both trust each other fully, there should be no problem.

3. Support

My boyfriend supports me and stands behind me in everything I do. From something as simple as proofreading an assignment to something as complicated as family troubles, he is always there to pick me up. If you are in a long distance relationship, it can be easy to shut your boyfriend out because “They just couldn’t understand what you’re going through.” Give him a chance. Open up to him and he will surprise you. Even though he can’t be there in person to console you, you’d be surprised at how hard he’d try. You never know, there might be a surprise bouquet of flowers on your front porch the next day!

4. Adventure

When you are together and distance is no longer a current problem, get out of the house and have an adventure. Of course ordering pizza and watching movies all day is the preferred date for a girl like me, but it is also important to keep things interesting and fun. Find a common ground that the two of you enjoy doing and make it a date! My boyfriend and I are basically complete opposites because while I enjoy going to musicals and reading, he enjoys going mudding and drag racing. Despite our differences, we still have the best time when we are together no matter what we do, and that is all that matters.

Although long distance relationships are hard, these three simple things get me through my days. I am so thankful for my boyfriend because he goes above and beyond for me. We have a healthy relationship because we communicate, we trust each other completely, and we support each other. A quote that gets me through everyday is, “Long distance relationships are hard, but they’re also incredible. If you can love, trust, respect, and support each other from a distance then you’ll be unstoppable once you’re physically together.”