Upholding Those Long Distance Relationships

Photo by Alaina Burris

College is a brand new experience for everyone, whether it’s 15 miles away or 1,500 miles away. You have an opportunity to take classes in an area of your expertise, you get the chance to live somewhat on your own and you get the chance to meet new people. With these new people, you’re forming new friendships and, sometimes, even romantic relationships.

These relationships that you form are not always with people who live close to you. In my case, only one friend that I’ve made this year is from the same city I am. The others are from all across the country. Without the unforeseen luxury of getting to see these friends whenever I want like I can now, how will I be able to maintain these friendships? And for those who are in relationships, how can they maintain their relationships?

When you have distance between you and your friends or S/O, keeping in touch is one of the best ways to uphold that bond. Obviously you’re going to, but sometimes keeping in touch can be easier said than done. You’ll be sending them your streaks on Snapchat or DMing them memes on Instagram, but will you guys actually be talking? Make sure to send some texts once in awhile and try to have the occasional FaceTime to make that distance feel obsolete.    

Texts and FaceTimes won’t fulfill the full need of seeing the people you’ve become close with, and summer vacation has a lot of time to it. If possible, plan out some vacations to visit your friends or S/O’s hometown and plan time for them to do the same for you. You should make these plans well in advance so that way there’s no last-minute panic of trying to figure out expensive flights or drive-time. If it’s easier, find a place to meet in the middle.

You don’t have to talk to each other all the time over the summer, but make sure not to exclude your friends and S/O over the summer, either. Keep them updated on your life, but don’t overwhelm them with things about you. Remember that you can turn to them for advice, but make sure to return the favor.

To focus more on upholding a relationship over the summer, here are a few tips that can help you out:

1. “Open When” Letters -- These letters are cute reminders that let your S/O know you’re there for them and help them feel your love. These letters can range from “Open When You Miss Me” to “Open When You’re Having a Rough Day” so that way they know you’re there for them in any circumstance.

2. Know Each Other’s Schedules -- Don’t do this in a creepy or clingy way. Don’t demand that they tell you every last minute of their schedule. Know enough of their schedule and let them know enough of yours so phone calls and FaceTimes can be convenient and not interruptive.

3. Have Each Other’s Clothing -- Keep a few hoodies or T-shirts of each other’s so that way you can try them on (or hold them close) when you’re missing your person. Bonus points if they smell like your man’s cologne or your girl’s perfume.

Distance can be hard for anybody, but don’t let it take a toll on you. In the wise words of the Spice Girls, “Friendship never ends.” Ensure that happens by maintaining your friendships, and relationships, with these helpful guidelines.