How You Can Survive a Long Distance Relationship

So you have found yourself in a relationship with your significant other further away than you would like. Whether it be the next city over, or half-way around the world, distance is never fun, especially when you are apart from the one you love. I already know you want to make it work, because you wouldn't have kept the relationship going if you didn't already love the person. But how can you keep on "dating" your lover when there is distance separating you.

I am currently in a long-distance relationship myself. My boyfriend is over 1200 miles away from me, as we are both going to college in different parts of the country. So, what are we doing to keep the excitement and romance alive? Here are five ways to help the two of you keep your sanity when the distance becomes too much.

1. Make time for yourself!

I cannot stress this point enough. If you spend all your time focused on missing your partner, and wanting to be with him or her, then you will miss out on all the other activities life has to offer you. Go out and have fun with all the people you have around you right now. Find a new hobby, or make time for the ones you already have. If you are still in school, find a group or club to be a part of. If you are past that stage in life, use the freedom you have to explore you city. Make plans with friends. Go on a long walk. Read a good book. Take your "me time" and enjoy it. You are a free person, and you have the right to have as much fun as you can.

2. Schedule date nights.

I'm sure you are probably wanting to talk to your significant other at least every day, but with busy lives, having a scheduled time to talk can be difficult. Sometimes life gets in the way, and all we can do is a quick phone call, a text, or video chat during your lunch breaks. This randomness can be avoided by simply having a plan for video dates regularly. Because remember, you are still supposed to be "dating" one another. So have long-distance date nights. (It's a real thing, I promise.) Maybe have one night a week where you both cook the same meal, or both order the same type of take-out, and have your date like you would normally do it if you were right across the table from each other. Dress up even. and make a fancy date night out of it. It might seem a little weird at first, but it definitely helps, and date nights are fun.

3. COMMUNICATE.

I know this one is sometimes hard for me and my man. We both work and do school, so finding time to talk during our actual day is pretty hard. It isn't hard to send a text though. Or you can use the Snapchat app. It's free, easy to use, and by trying to keep your streaks, you can make sure you at least get in touch throughout the day.

4. Close the gap.

A long distance relationship isn't the end result, or destination. It is just a stepping stone in a relationship. Have a plan of when you are going to see each other. And if the two of you are serious about spending the rest of your lives together, plan for a future time when the gap will be closed permanently. But until then, plan visiting vacations as often as possible. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but that is only true if the distance is temporary. So have dates set where the one visits the other, even if it is only for a few days. Depending on the distance, it may be more difficult financially to visit multiple times a year, but if the two of you share the costs, then it gives some ease to it. Plus, if you have plans to visit, it gives you something to look forward to. No one likes a relationship where they don't know where things are going. So make plans to close the distance, and start counting down the days until you can once again find yourself in the arms of your lover.

5. Send a care package, a card, SOMETHING.

I have found care packages, or something small that says "I'm thinking of you," makes quite a difference. Like I said previously, finances may be tight for you, so if you can't afford an entire package, just send a letter, or even a post card. I speak for all ladies out there when I say I would keep every letter my boyfriend sent me, even if it just said, "Hey, I miss you, and I love you." Your significant other is worth at least the cost of an envelope and a stamp. And if you have the money, send them something that made you think of them. Maybe a T-shirt or a CD. Or if you want to go all out, Pinterest has some great ideas for care packages. So look online or come up with something yourself. I promise they will love it, and love you more for it.

So, that is it, guys. There is my five things to help you out in your own long distance relationships. I hope these help you. Be sure to check out my next post that will be coming out soon.