By Nate Maki | Editor
Everyone is getting settled in, you’re getting to know the places on campus, and you may have even been to your first Dr Pepper class, but none of that matters because it feels like your significant other is miles away.
Whether you’ve been high school sweethearts for years, fell in love over the summer, or have been in a long-distance relationship for some time, long-distance relationships can be difficult, but you should always know that you are not alone.
Here are some tips for your long-distance relationship that you can discuss with your partner.
1. Check in
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting there trying to concentrate on your homework, but your eyes keep wandering to your phone as you resist the urge to check it again. You haven’t heard from your partner in a whole 10 minutes. All kidding aside, one of the hardest parts of a long-distance relationship is not always knowing what your partner is up to.
The solution is simple. You can’t think of every day as one long conversation. Instead, try to think of conversations with your partner as check-ins. Research from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee shows that long-distance relationships benefit from segmentation, that is, making time for your own life and that of your partner.
Whether it’s a quick chat about your day so far, a FaceTime when you both have time, or just a simple “what’s up loser, I’m alive,” check-ins are essential to staying in touch with your partner throughout the day, especially if you both lead busy lives.
2. Create consistency
One of the most comforting aspects of a relationship is having something to lean on and knowing that at the end of the day, no matter whether it was great or terrible, you have someone to share your feelings with.
That’s why you need to ensure continuity with your partner. This could be a daily phone call during your lunch break or, if your partner lives close by, a monthly meeting on a weekend.
3. Use your resources
The problem most couples face in long distance relationships is having nothing to do. Fortunately, we live in 2024 and there are many ways for couples to stay in touch through activities.
Teleparty, for example, is a popular resource for watching series and films together online, one of the most popular tools for long-distance relationships. There are also many video games for couples.
Long distance relationships require a lot of effort. Don’t worry if you feel like it’s not working. As long as both of you put in the time and effort, your relationship will thrive.
