Relationships can be a struggle when you’re under the same roof, let alone hundreds of miles away. Relationships take work and commitment that can sometimes be hard to give from a distance. Doing the long distance thing is common among college students with boyfriends or girlfriends back at home or at other universities. There are tips and tricks that you can use to keep your romance alive, even from afar. Surviving a long distance relationship isn’t easy, but it can be done.
Defying the distance to keep your relationship alive can be challenging. Finding things to do together that will keep your connection strong are extremely important. There are so many activities that you can do together, even hours apart, that will make you feel as though you’re in the same room.
First off, take advantage of technology. Whether it’s Skype or Ovoo, turn on your webcam, and use these programs to get some face-to-face interaction. Grab your dinner and have a “Skype date” which can really seem to shorten the distance. Make use of social networking sites, cell phones, and email to keep in touch as much as possible. Making your partner feel connected in your everyday life even when they’re not around is key to surviving a long distance relationship.
You can also play a game together. There are various multiplayer games online which you and your significant other can do together. Try a game of “Words with Friends” to give you with something to do, and spark up some friendly competition and make you both feel a little closer. Put a bet on the game and make it interesting. It’s a sure way to keep one another interested.
Sending letters may seem old fashion and out of date, but they have the ability to show someone how much you care. Writing a letter takes time and thought. It is more personal than typing up an email which makes it more special. Write a letter, spray it with your scent, and send it on its way. When your other half opens the mail with the letter that smells like you, it has the ability to evoke so many memories. Your partner will instantly be missing you and remember all the reasons they fell in love in the first place.
Make a countdown, play 21 questions, send them a gift, it doesn’t matter just make sure you keep them involved in your life. Surviving a long distance relationship is about making adjustments. It’s about being there for each other in different ways. You have to make yourself emotionally available since it’s not physically possible.
Apologize before a fight ensues, update them on your plans, and let them know how much they mean to you. Solving fights and problems are more difficult from a distance so try and stay positive before problems start to arise. Assuming that your relationship will be flawless is unexpected, and how you deal with your issues is vital when it comes to beating the odds. Make sure you attack problems together and be as open and honest as possible. Long distance relationships cannot survive without trust, so make it a priority.
Whether it’s an hour drive, or a twelve-hour plane flight, distance has inevitable effects on relationships. If you’re willing to put in the effort and the love is real, you can successfully survive a long distance relationship, even during college.
