Being at Uni is such an incredible experience, but even though this phase is incredibly exciting, we naturally can’t help but worry about what, and who, we’ve left behind. We’ve all left our family and friends at home as we went to embark on our new adventure, but for some of us, being at university also involves saying goodbye to our signi ficant other.
Making the decision to be hours away from your other half is immensely di fficult. It’s painful, uncomfortable and at one stage, you probably contemplated whether you were doing the right thing going to university at all. Even now, you still sometimes wonder if you made the right decision. I think it’s important to note here that you have to do what is right for you as an individual. We should not stop doing what we want or pursuing our goals because of someone else. Relationships, close together or far apart, are unpredictable and fundamentally, if it’s truly meant to be, it will be, regardless of distance.
This brings me on to the question that many university students with a boyfriend or girlfriend back home ask – Can long distance relationships last? The answer is yes, with a lot of commitment and determination, there is no reason why they can’t.
Here are some tips to make your love go the distance…
Communication
With so many di fferent ways to communicate nowadays, there is no excuse not to keep your partner updated. You can text, phone, Skype, WhatsApp or even write an old fashioned letter to your loved one. Vary your form of correspondence to keep things fresh and exciting. Whatever medium you use, try and set aside some time each day to let your sweetheart know what’s going on in your life – this will help them feel involved.
Equal Effort
There’s nothing worse than one-sided e ffort. The person doing all the ground work will start to be resentful and feel unappreciated. If they called you yesterday, why not call them today? If you travelled home to visit them last time, why not suggest next time they come and see you? Doing this creates balance and ensures both parties are behind the success of the relationship.
Trust
Having faith that both of you are committed to one another is very important in a long distance relationship. This means you can both be independent and have your own lives, as well as being a unit. Being in a relationship
based on trust tends to result in far less arguments, as neither feels insecure. You are each free to go out with friends and not worry the other will be doing the naughty behind your back!
Honesty
Going out tonight? Don’t hide it. Feel something’s not working? Say it. Be an open book. The worst thing you can do is keep it all inside or lie to your partner. It doesn’t bene fit either of you. If you wouldn’t want them to do it
to you, don’t do it to them – it works both ways!
Positivity
It’s all in the mind! There’s no doubt about it, long distance relationships are not a walk in the park. However, it’s important that you remain positive. Being away from your loved one isn’t all doom and gloom. See it
as an opportunity to pursue your own wants and desires. Furthermore, as you can’t see them all the time, you’ll appreciate the time you do spend together.
Breathe. Don’t stress. Take one day at a time and remember if it’s meant to work out, it will.
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