Long-Distance Relationships

Most people would say that long-distance relationships are hard. Normally, I would agree. The reason I would agree is because I feel the most loved when someone spends time with me. It is hard to spend time with someone who is far away. I have that issue with my older brother who lives in a different state and my roommate from Italy who lives in another state.

Fortunately, my roommate from Italy, Taylor, taught me how to stay connected in a long-distance relationship. She and I are still close even though we are miles apart. Here are some tips on how to make a long-distance relationship work.

First, you must set aside time to connect via phone call or Skype or Facetime. Texting is not an intimate form of communication. For me personally, texting someone every day is annoying. My life is not interesting enough to be in constant communication with someone. Also, life gets hectic, so set aside a specific day where you talk on the phone. That way, you can collect the information you want to share with your friend. Taylor and I talk on the phone every Wednesday. I look forward to that day of the week more than I do Christmas. It works well for both of us. If we cannot connect on Wednesday, we choose another day to communicate.

Second, plan visits to see each other. Phone calls are great, but being able to visit the person at least once in a year will help your friendship. Traveling is expensive, I know, but seeing your friend should be worth the effort of saving up funds to go see them. I have visited Taylor twice and she has visited me twice. It makes the travel expenses a little cheaper when you can stay at the house of your friend. Also, if you plan trips in advance, you can get the flights for cheaper.

Third, keep them in the loop. Just because they are far away and not experiencing your life with you, with technology, you can shoot them a text when something exciting or terrible happens. I still feel a part of Taylor’s life because she lets me know what is going on. I also shoot her texts letting her know what is going on with my life. We also use Snapchat. It is the little things that matter.

Fourth, do not think of the distance as a challenge, but more of an opportunity. My world has expanded because I know people in different states and in different countries. All relationships need effort in order to last. I’m probably closer to Taylor than other friends I have because I am more intentional about staying close. It is possible to do long-distance relationships. The world is a littler smaller thanks to technology. Use it to your advantage.

Fifth, the relationship should not feel like a burden to you. If it is too difficult or too stressful to keep a long-distance relationship, let life take its course. Maybe you will connect again later in life. Do not beat yourself up. You can minimize the number of times you connect on phone call or just talk once a year. I just recently started talking to a person I have not talked to in 2 years! They do not even live far away from me. People usually understand that it is difficult to stay in touch. Don’t hesitate to shoot an old friend a message. You may feel like nothing has changed between you at all.

Those are just a few tips that I have about long-distance relationships. I’m planning on staying friends with Taylor forever, and they have worked for me so far!

Shout out to Taylor for being the best! Love you!