Long Distance Love. Photograph. FastWeb. By Ariana Finlayson. Web. 23 Sept. 2009.
Whenever your facing something as hard as maintaining a long distance relationship, things can get real tough, quick. All elements of communication are limited to the "I miss you's" of text messages and the snippets of phone conversations, and for those of us who are computer-oriented, even the conversations over Skype or iChat. Yet, the physical distance is overwhelming, and the communication is easily strained. Here's some tips to keep you up, when you're feeling real down. Try writing letters. Even though it sounds old-fashioned and cumbersome, jotting down some real thoughts in writing facilitates deeper communication, ie, what you may have had trouble saying in person, "Hey, I thought you said it was alright to go out to lunch with that boy" can now be addressed in its real meaning, "I understand you don't want me to hang out with other guys while you're away, but thats just not feasible". And plus, girls adore love letters, and even guys smile when they get a gift.
Do the easy things to make each other happy. What you thought he or she meant when they said they wanted to talk every day, really means every day. Just pick up the phone on the way to class and give your girlfriend or boyfriend a call, and just say you miss them. When your miles upon miles away, the simple things can make a big difference.
Show interest. Even though you may not know "Jack from down the hall" and "my crazy neighbor Lea", simply sharing (and being interested in) what goes on in your day or night makes for good conversation, especially when the only thing left to talk about is how much you miss each other.
Put up some pictures. Pictures can truly raise spirits when your missing your girl or guy. Just take a minute to reminisce, and even if your sad, you can smile remembering good times.
Visit!!! If financially possible, try and make it out to wherever your boyfriend or girlfriend is. Visits are always exciting and offer possibilities for the dates, cuddling and hanging out; all the things you've both been missing out on!
All in all, long distance love is treacherous territory, but with the right communication, relationships can be stronger than the distance that separates them.
