Having a relationship with someone you go to college with is great. You get to see them and hang out with them all the time. But then, summer comes and you’ve got to be hundreds of miles apart for three months. It can be difficult, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can survive until August.

1. Understand that you probably won’t get to talk to them every day.

We all have summer jobs, family vacations and other commitments that are going to take your SO’s attention for a good part of their day or even whole days. Don’t get upset if they can’t text you 24/7.

2. Give them space.

Let your SO have a chance to hang out with their friends from home, visit their family, and have their own life without having to send you a text every 30 seconds.

3. Keep your jealousy level to an all time low.

Along with giving them space and knowing that you won’t be able to talk to them all the time, don’t get jealous of the people who get to see them all the time. They’re gonna spend some time with other people, they might see an old flame walking around their hometown. Trust your SO and don’t get jealous of the people they spend time with.

4. Send them little reminders that you’re thinking of them.

There’s a very high probability that being so far apart for so long is gonna make you miss them A LOT. So, as soon as you start missing them a lot, send them a text and let them know. Share the Odyssey article you read that made you think of them. Tag them in the picture of the dog you saw on Facebook that you know they would like.

5. Phone calls and Skype are your friend.

Texting is great. But phone call can be even better, you get to hear their voice (and see their face if you Skype). It’s much more personal than seeing words on a screen. You don’t have to call them every night, but an occasional phone call can be great for when you miss your SO.

6. Make the most of the time you get to spend together.

You don’t always have to do something fun when you’re together. You can just sit on the couch and watch Netflix, or watch the sunset, but there are some fun things you can do together too (I’ll get to that later). Just make the most of the time you get to spend together, give yourselves something to remember when you’re miles apart again.

7. Go on cute dates together when you get to see each other.

Make a list of things that you want to do together, and cross them off when you get to see each other. Some ideas may be: watching fireworks, going to the beach, going to a museum, having a bonfire, etc.

8. Plan ahead for when you’ll see each other again.

Give yourselves something to look forward to, so the next time you see each other doesn’t feel so far away. But don’t, DO NOT, be that couple that counts down the time you’ll see each other on your Facebook.

9. Make the most of your alone time.

Do something with your alone time; it’s summer after all. Binge watch shows on Netflix, play Pokemon Go, read new books, or learn an instrument to surprise your SO when you see them again. Here are some things you can do.

10. Do things together while you’re still far away.

There’s plenty of things you can do together while you’re still apart. Binge watch the same show and text each other about it. Watch the same movie while you Skype. Send them a playlist on Spotify to listen to together. Then you can have some similar experiences while still being miles apart.

11. Immerse yourself in their favorite things.

Ask your SO what their favorite movies, books, T.V shows, bands are, and then watch, read or listen and discuss them together. You’ll find out more about your SO than they could ever tell you.

12. Stay positive and supportive.

Yes, being long distance over the summer can be painful. The only way to make it last until you go back to school, however, is to stay positive and supportive. If your SO has a bad day and you can’t be there to give them a hug and be a shoulder to cry on, make sure they know that you’re there for them. Also, be positive. It could be a lot worse. Your SO could live in Canada or be taking a semester abroad.

13. Be grateful.

Be grateful that you have someone to love and have someone who loves you back. Be thankful for the time you do get spend together. Be thankful for the little things, the “i miss you” texts, the Skype calls and their health and safety.

14. Don’t forget that you love them, and they love you.

This one goes without saying. Remember this when it gets hard being so far apart, and show them how much you love them when you get to see each other.