How To Manage A Long Distance Relationship When You Leave For College
Being in a long distance relationship is no walk in the park, but if you and your partner are truly committed to each other, there are so many ways to ensure you guys stay sane and solid! Check out this list of small, thoughtful, easy ways you can maintain your relationship even if you’re far away from one another.
Call Each Other
Although texting may be the easiest way to communicate these days, talking on the phone allows for a much deeper level of connection when you can’t physically be with your partner. Hearing each other’s voices is not only more comforting, but it also creates better communication because you can clue into your partner’s tone and overall mood.
Ask your boyfriend/girlfriend about the details of their day, like what they had for lunch. Knowing such small yet specific things may seem unimportant, but being able to visualize your partner’s day will make for a better conversation.
…But Not Excessively
Especially in college, it’s important to learn who you and your partner are as individuals outside of your relationship. This time apart is definitely hard, but it can also be an opportunity to learn about yourself and become the best version of yourself – that way, you can be an even better boyfriend or girlfriend.
Take time for yourself and make new friends, take up new hobbies, or learn new skills. Whatever it is that you choose to do, make sure to share it with your S.O. and let them know you are embracing the long distance situation and enjoying this time alone as much as possible.
Know The Next Time You’ll See Each Other
It can definitely be hard not seeing your boyfriend/girlfriend every single day, but having a set date to reunite will make it easier to bear the distance. Not only will you have something to look forward to, but knowing that you have so little time together will help you make the most of it!
Take turns visiting each other, and make sure that you give your partner your full attention while they’re with you. Spend quality time together by going out to eat at a restaurant or going for a hike if it’s nice outside!
Have a Long Term Plan
The end goal of every relationship is, obviously, to start a life together, so being long distance should inherently be a temporary situation. Have a conversation with you’re S.O. about the future and talk about your aspirations and life goals beyond being long distance.
Create a realistic timeline that fits both of your lifestyles and needs, and work towards that as and goal. Your relationship will become so much stronger if you keep the mindset of settling down together in the future!
Send Them a Surprise in the Mail
A tangible gift can be a great source of reassurance for your long distance partner! Whether it’s a hand-written note or their favourite candy, make sure your S.O. knows that you love them and are thinking about them, even if it’s from afar. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, just something that will remind you of them while you’re apart.
Make sure you have their up-to-date mailing address, and you’re good to go! Be creative and thoughtful with your gifts, and your partner will be sure to love whatever you buy.
Get Intimate Over the Phone
Another tough thing about going long-distance is not being able to have sex as often as you maybe would like. While you’re alone, you’ll probably have to resort to pleasuring yourself – but your partner can still definitely help you out! Whether it’s sending you some steamy pictures or videos, your S.O. can totally turn you on through the phone.
Even though you may miss having those physical, intimate moments with your partner, keeping each other stimulated will help make those special, real-life moments all the more enjoyable.
Keep an Object With Their Signature Scent
Missing the smell of your boyfriend’s cologne or your girlfriend’s perfume? The next time you see your S.O., have them spray a teddy bear, shirt, or pillow with their favourite scent. That way, whenever you’re feeling lonely, you can (pretend to) cuddle up to them! You can even purchase the cologne or perfume to have on hand once the scent starts to fade away.
You and your S.O. can even try switching up your scents every few months to keep things fresh and fun. Find the notes you both like or try something brand new!
Plan Virtual Date Nights
Just because you’re apart doesn’t mean you and your S.O. can’t still have a date night! You can watch a movie together on Netflix Party, or maybe even try to choose a recipe and cook it together via video call. Whatever it is, it’s important to spend quality time with one another and have some fun.
You can also keep track of all of the awesome dates you’ve had by tracking them in a journal. It’ll be such a beautiful keepsake to look back on in a few years!
Click here to check out some more ideas for an awesome long distance date night.
Remind Each Other Why it’s Worth it
When you can’t physically see your boyfriend or girlfriend, it can be easy to forget that they are actually a real-life person and not just an image on a screen. Moments of doubt are sure to creep in, so it’s important to remind your partner why the struggles of long distance are worth the while.
Make a list of reasons why you love each other, and what your favourite things about each other are. Share your list with your S.O. whenever they’re feeling down, and vice versa! Affirmation is one of the best things for long distance couples. Make sure to keep updating the list when you notice new things you love!
