How to manage a long distance relationship

Advice To Make Your Ldr Suck Less

By Olivia Metz Photos By Bailey Craig

Editied By Zack Vaughn

Layout By Elijah Savage

Illistrations by Mahogany Nixson

Whether it is 200 miles, 2,000 miles, or somewhere in between, long-distance relationships (LDR) are hard. Whether you are separated by choice, or simply by choosing to attend different schools after graduation. Trying to manage a long-distance relationship while still in college is not for the faint of heart. While LDR’s are a beautiful thing, they do not come without worries, fears, and a whole lot of tears. Read below for some tips and advice on how to make it suck a little less.

Communication is key

Like every other relationship, you need to communicate with your partner. It is an essential part of maintaining a healthy long-distance relationship. They will never know and understand how you are feeling if you do not talk to them about it. Nobody can read minds, yet. Since you cannot see each other in-person every day, it is vital to communicate throughout the days you are apart. Whether it is quick texts, and/or long phone calls at night, schedule a time every day to sit down and talk. Just the two of you, no distractions. This will not only improve your relationship, but it might also help with your personal mental health.

Be Honest and trust each other

Alongside communication, honesty and trust also play a vital role in an LDR. It is a lot easier to trust your partner when you live within driving distance. When you do not, over-thinking about what they are up to when you cannot be around most of the time can take a big toll on you. If you feel like something may be off, be honest and let them know. Trusting each other will get easier over time, but it should not be too hard if you two are committed to each other and to making your longdistance relationship work.

Tip: Ask them if they can let you know where they are going, who they are going with, and what they are going to be doing. This will help ease any worries you may have, and they should have no problem being honest with you. If this does not help, you could also ask if they would be willing to share their location with you via apps like Life360 or Find My.

Always Plan Your Next Visit

One of the hardest parts about an LDR is accepting the fact that you only have a limited time together when you visit. Whether that is just for the weekend, for a couple of weeks, or if you are lucky, a couple of months at a time, be intentional with your time. And always plan your next visit before you leave, it will give you both something to look forward to!

Spending time away from your partner will really make you always plan your next visit appreciate the time you do get to spend together and will make it feel much more special. After all, they do say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. While long-distance relationships are not for everyone, those that do make it work end up having some of the most beautiful love stories. If you feel like giving up, do it for everyone who said you would not work out, do it for the person who has been by your side through it all, and most importantly, do it for yourself. For the chance to feel the kind of love not everyone is strong enough to work for. Be honest with your partner and be open with your partner. And remember, it is okay to cry, and it is okay to miss someone so much you can hardly get out of bed. This is only temporary, and you are strong enough to get through it. In the end, you knew what you were signing up for when you started this journey, and with the right person, you should have no doubts and no regrets that you will be able to do this, together. And it will make for a heck of a story to tell your kids one day!