Ben and I have about 13 months of long distance experience underneath our belts, and we've only got one more to go, thank the heavens. Being in a relationships that is long distance is insanely hard. Sometimes it may feel like it's impossible and you're just going to die! Well, I'm hoping that through my torture, I have picked up on some tips to share that can dismiss that feeling until you can see your better half again.
Skype and Phone Calls
Take the time to log onto your computer and see that face you're so in love with! It makes a world of a difference when you can actually see each other. It makes the conversation so much more fun too, being able to see each others facial expressions. Be sure that when you do get to talk, you talk about everything, especially the boring stuff. Don't feel like you can only talk when you have something special or important to tell. You want to feel like you're actually involved in one anothers lives.
Text each other often, but don't feel like it has to be constant. Sometimes texting each other from the second you wake up until you go to sleep can get exhausting and then when you do get the chance to speak on the phone or over Skype, you don't have a whole lot to say. If you were living close by you wouldn't be texting that much!
Pictures
I LOVE opening my phone to find a new picture message of Ben's smiling face right before he heads off to school. It can honestly change the mood of the entire day. Ben and I have started this thing we like to do sometimes, where we will just take pictures of whatever we're doing at the time like hiking, or sitting at work. I sent him a picture of me making macaroni and cheese for goodness sake. It's so easy and it brightens the day.
Letters and Packages
Pull out a piece of paper and a pen, pretend you're in Junior High, and write your significant other a love note. Getting mail is so much fun, and a hand written letter means so much more than a text message or voice mail. It's not hard to do, and stamps are 44 cents. It's also fun to send little packages if you can afford to or have the time. It's a wonderful surprise and so greatly appreciated.
Sounds silly, I know, but it is possible. Say you have a favorite television show that you used to watch together, keep watching it together. Hop on Skype or give your loved one a call and watch the show while you're speaking to each other! It may sound cheesy, but it's the best thing you've got while you're miles apart. You can do study parties too, help each other out with homework over the phone. It's a great way to keep each other involved in your life and interests.
Personal Gifts
Everyone needs something to remember each other bye. Steal your guy's jacket, or a blanket from your girl. Get each other a little stuffed animal to cuddle with until you're back in each others arms. Cuddling is important, you need your cuddle time, this is the best way to hold you over. Guys, maybe you should get your girly something like this:
Trust
You HAVE to trust each other. In any relationship, trust is one of thee most important things you can have between you. Being far apart really strains this part of your relationship. You have to have so much trust for each other it's unbelievable. Make sure you both understand the limits and expectations from your relationship.
Lastly, always ALWAYS stay positive. Things may look drab at the moment, but you can't be apart forever, soon you will be together again and it will all be worth it. Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder, but long distance relationships are not for the faint of heart. It is extremely trying to maintain a positive relationship with someone miles and miles away from you. So always be sure to smile and know that things can't stay bad forever.
-Lindsey
