Relationships are tough enough when you get to see each other all the time, but how do you handle things when you’re a long distance apart — and often? Whether college is taking you to different ends of the country or one of you is traveling the world, here are five ways to make sure your relationship survives being miles away from each other:
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Communication Is Key
While it’s not realistic to have hour-long phone calls every single day, communication is a key ingredient in any relationship. Couples in long distance relationships might actually communicate better than those in a relationship where they see each other frequently.
Not seeing each other all the time means talking things out is key. You have to be open with your feelings and put everything out on the table. You can’t expect your significant other to pick up on those little signs that you’re upset about something because they’re not there to see them.
Communicate about finding a communication plan that works for you. Work out how often you think you’ll need to talk on the phone or Skype to feel comfortable.
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Have Something to Look Forward to Together
Long distance can lead to a bunch of insecurities and worrying that the other person doesn’t feel the same. Try to always have a date you’re looking forward to spending together — basically the next time you’ll see each other.
Since you both may be living radically different lives, this gives you something in common besides your love for each other. Plus, it’s always fun to plan your time together and get excited about the next time you get to see your significant other.
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Always Show That You’re Thankful
Never let your sweetheart feel like you’re not grateful to have them in your life. Always make sure you take the time to tell them exactly why you’re thankful for them. Let them know all the little things they do to make your life better, even if it’s stuff they don’t even realize you appreciate.
It’s easy to forget to show your love to your better half when you’re both so busy. But take a little time out of your day to let them know how great your life is when they’re in it.
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Don’t Panic
Especially in a long distance relationship, it’s easy to overthink and let your mind wander to the worst possible outcome. Oh, she posted an Instagram pic with another guy? She must be cheating. Don’t let jealousy get the best of you — you could end up losing a great relationship over it. That guy in the Instagram picture? He could be her cousin. Don’t jump to conclusions.
Long distance relationships require a large amount of trust if they’re going to work out. You can’t look at your significant other’s Facebook page and analyze every like and comment they’ve been making. If they don’t make your weekly FaceTime call, wait for them to give you an explanation instead of instantly jumping down their throat. Regardless of if the rest of the relationship has been going well or not, you don’t want your panicking to make things take a permanent downturn.
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Discuss Whether the Distance Will Be Permanent or Not
Long distance can be a bump in the road, but it probably can’t be something that’s always going to impact your relationship. Though we often think that love can conquer anything, love isn’t always enough. If you’re committing to long-term jobs on opposite sides of the world, do you really want to put yourself through a long distance relationship for an unknown duration?
You have to have a way to have a future together. Long distance sometimes has the ability to stop you from learning everything about the other person. You may not get to know all the little things they do without even realizing — and those little things could end up driving you insane. If you have a foreseeable future, then that’s great! But don’t keep investing in something that was doomed from the start.
Long distance relationships certainly aren’t for everyone, but if you want to make one work, it’s definitely possible. Just like in any other relationship, you have to make time for each other, talk things out and acknowledge how the other is feeling — you just have to find ways to do that from farther away.
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Kacey Mya Bradley is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.
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