It doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think
Long-distance relationships are not uncommon among university students. At times they can seem impossible to handle, but many people are able to make it work. There are many tricks out there to help individuals handle being away from their partner for long periods of time.
Relationships are generally considered long-distance when the two partners in the relationship do not live in the same town, province or even country. For some, they consider it long-distance when they live 30 minutes away, while others are provinces away. Nonetheless, this distance can, at times, put a strain on a relationship.
There are many tools that one can use to help maintain a long-distance relationship, according to Maclean’s magazine. Having a long-term plan for the relationship can be beneficial. This plan can include when you will see each other next, how long the relationship will be long-distance, and so on. This will allow for the relationship to be clear and will avoid leaving any unanswered questions. On another hand, it is very important for you to continue to express your needs to your partner as those needs evolve. Being in a long-distance relationship is hard as you must rely on what you partner is telling you via text, phone calls or FaceTime rather than having more frequent, face-to-face interactions. It is important for each partner to be very open and honest with one another when trouble arises. This can reduce the chances of having an argument over something minor that could have been resolved long ago.
Claire Dunlop, a second-year psychology student, has been in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend for the last two years. “Being in a long-distance relationship poses many challenges, however I think it has only made us stronger as a couple,” said Dunlop. “Since we live three hours away from each other, our visits are more special and we have a greater appreciation for time we spend together. We text all day, call as often as possible and always make sure to have a countdown until the next time we will see each other. We are supportive and allow each other to work towards our own individual careers and goals in life.”
Keeping an open line of communication is crucial to the well-being of the relationship. At times it can get complicated, but if there is a will, there is often a way to make it work.
“Some days are harder than others, but overall it all comes down to making time for each other,” said Dunlop. “It’s an easy thing to do when it’s someone you love.”
