There’s only one word to describe long distance relationships… HARD. I have been doing long distance with my boyfriend for a year now and I’ve definitely learned a thing or two on how to survive it. Hopefully these 10 tips will help you as much as they have helped me.
This may be the hardest but most important thing you can do in a long distance relationship. Since you aren’t together, it can be hard to realize that your significant other has a life outside of texting/talking to you. Once you can recognize this, you will argue less and enjoy the time you are able to talk much more.
This goes along with the last one. Physically being able to see the days go by until you get to see each other makes time go by so much faster.
Texting and talking are both great, but when you FaceTime each other it feels like you are together…almost.
Considering you aren’t physically there to see what bae has going on, it is important to always ask questions so that you can stay involved in their life. Not only will it be fun to hear from them, but it will also mean a lot to your S.O. It also will keep your daily convos from getting too monotonous. If you are with someone who doesn’t necessarily like going into all the details of their day (my boyfriend thinks the fewer the details the better), then asking questions can help get him/her to open up or even just make things more interesting.
You have to voice your feelings and concerns in any relationship, but you do especially with long distance. Your boo isn’t there to see that you are crying or upset with something, so you have to say it clearly. This goes for good things too (that cute note you got in the mail meant a lot, so say it). He or she will never know how you truly feel unless you say something.
When something great happens, the first person I want to tell is my boyfriend. It feels great when he gets just as excited as I do! So really make sure you show your excitement, even if it seems miniscule to you.
Time and time again, people say that trust can make or break a relationship, and long distance really tests that. A rule of thumb I always go by is that if he or she hasn’t given you a reason not to trust him/her in this situation, then there is no point not to.
This can be hard because of time and money constraints, but it gives you something to look forward too! Once you’re finally together, all of the struggles will have been well worth it. My boyfriend has been able to visit me a lot this year, which I’m so grateful for. Every time he comes, I feel like I’m with him for the first time all over again, it’s indescribable. Bonus points if you can make your visit a surprise!
Take this one as you will.
Obviously this is all about how to survive and thrive in a long distance relationship, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out. You have to be real with yourself, and each other, about what you want and what you are getting out of the relationship. That doesn’t mean give up when things get hard (because of course it is going to be hard at times); it just means that you need to make sure you both are happy and that the “hardness” is worth it. Long distance can often be deeply rewarding because it forces you to be a stronger person and a stronger couple.
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