Long-distance relationships can be a difficult. College? Well, that can be even more difficult. A long-distance relationship in college? Now, that’s a real challenge. With today’s society producing a huge amount of failed relationships, some say that a long-distance couple in their early 20s trying to both succeed in college and make time for each other might have a better chance at winning the lottery. Although heartache is a common result in these types of situations, success stories do happen. With some effort, dedication, and simple guidance, your long-distance relationship could be one of the best parts of your life.

1. Put God First

I believe God has a plan and is watching your relationship. Make him a part of it and you will be rewarded. He cares about your relationship, but he will not force his way in; you have to be the gatekeeper and allow him to make his presence known. There should only be one person that has more influence on the relationship than your significant other, and that person is God himself. Don’t let anybody else weasel their way between you and your partner, as that space should be reserved. Pray together, go to church together, and teach each other. Do what you can to make God a part of your relationship. I started going to church and took an interest in developing a relationship with God when I met my girlfriend. Opening my mind, heart, and relationship to him is one of the greatest things I have ever done, and for this, God rewarded me. He showed me he was listening; he all but put a hand on my shoulder and said, “I’m right here, son, trust in me and I will always have your back.” It was Valentine's Day and we just finished a discussion that seemed to be headed down a less-than-ideal path. My girlfriend and I went to our dinner reservations with heavy hearts and racing thoughts. We were worried about where our relationship was headed, but God had other plans for us. When it came time to pay the bill, our waitress informed us that the elderly couple sitting in the corner left fifty dollars to apply to our ticket. Though this was a blessing in itself, it was not where God made his presence known. Rather, it was the simple one-line message the two people left for the waitress to give us: "Find the values in each other.” Yes, this was a blessing from that elderly couple, but it was also a message from God himself. We brought him into our relationship and he answered my prayer to not only help us develop our relationship with one another, but to also develop our relationship with him. Of all the days to receive a blessing and heartfelt message like this, it happened to be the one day out of eight months that we needed it most. God was at work telling us that we are valuable to one another, that our relationship is important and he cares about us. You may experience times or situations when you thought God ignored you, but those unanswered prayers were blessings in disguise. God knows something is right and if he also wants you to know this, he will make it known. Long-distance is hard, but God can help to make it easier. God has a plan for every relationship; allow him to help show you that plan.

2. Have Fun With Each Other

No couple is ever too old to stop having fun with each other. It does not matter how serious you are, it should be easy to have fun with each other when you are in college. Sure, it might not be as easy when you're limited to texts, snapchats, phone calls, and Skype the majority of the time, but it could be worse. Make those phone calls fun, send funny snapchats, or have a Skype date. Do whatever you have to do to keep that spark in your relationship. I promise it’s possible. When you actually get the chance to physically spend time with one another, take advantage of it! Have your long intimate cuddle sessions lying in the arms of the person you love, but do not let your relationship only center on that! Make plans, do something spontaneous, or flip a coin and go somewhere you have never been before. Even if you are staying home, there are plenty of ways to have fun. You can cook together, play games, and even dance in the kitchen! Your relationship is what you make of it, so why not make it fun?

3. Make An Effort

A relationship is a two-way street and if you don’t want a collision on that street, both you and your significant other need to make an effort and do your best. A relationship cannot boil down to one person putting forth all the effort. Yes, certain situations may not seem fair and may not make both people perfectly happy, but these are the aspects that must be embraced and accepted. Making an effort doesn’t always mean everything about a relationship is going to be equal; it means that both partners are going to do their best with what they have to offer. Make your significant other feel like the special person they are. Make it known that you are completely in love with them. Regardless of whether you are a guy or girl, it feels good to have the person you care about make you feel wanted and special. Take advantage of every single opportunity you have because there may come a point where you regret the times you didn't.

4. Make Memories And Cherish Them

You've probably heard sentimental lines about making memories that you'll never forget. Well, news flash, those sappy lines are right! When you live away from each other, most of the time you are reflecting on those memories. Memories are worth more than you ever realize. Let those memories be your driving force that pushes the loneliness away because they are telling you that somewhere, no matter how far away, there is another person that you made all those memories with and that loves you very much. Make a memory book that you can share. I can tell you from experience it is one of the most amazing things to have in your relationship. Keep letters, take a ridiculous amount of pictures together, keep ticket stubs, and do whatever you have to do in order to make yourself smile and remember all the amazing times you have had, and will continue to have, together.

5. Don't Give Up

Being in college and in a long-distance relationship is not going to be easy. You will grow to hate the distance separating you and resent not being able to see each other on a daily basis. But don’t let that distance win. Beat the odds! Distance is only temporary; happiness is for eternity. If you are in a long-distance relationship with someone you truly love and see yourself with for the rest of your life, don’t let anything stand in your way. Use it as motivation to stick through the tough times in order to have everlasting happy times. Put your trust in your significant other and do whatever it takes to be the next success story. If you truly love each other, the difficult times are well worth it.

If you are in love with someone, then no challenge is too great. Put your trust in God, have fun with each other, make memories, make an effort, don’t give up and you will be successful. It may not seem easy, but if love was easy then it wouldn’t be worth much.