Long distance lovin'

Summer is coming to close, and you may have found a summer romance. As students, we often find ourselves going to different cities for different parts of the year, and perhaps running into something amazing on our way through. If you have decided to blow out the flame before parting ways to go back to school, think again. Whether it's a few hours or a day away, you can make it last as long as you have the determination to do so.

First of all, don't think of the negatives right away, because not being able to see each other at every waking moment is actually pretty healthy. It keeps you both independent, and when you do see each other, it's that much more special.

You also get to spend more time with your own projects, friends and so on. No one wants to be the person that ONLY hangs out with their boyfriend/girlfriend. You need your own life, and having a long distance relationship allows for this a lot more, which is not a bad thing when you're young! You can still talk daily on the phone before bed, but having some time for yourself is never a bad thing.

Of course, before the long distance begins, you'll want to talk about it and decide what you want for the future, and if you want to make it work, or break it off until you're back in the same city.

I know a lot of people, including myself, that are very happy in their long distance relationship, and even though it's difficult sometimes, there are ways to make it seem not so bad. I can't complain too much about my two and a half hour trek when Berlin and Florida are on the list of places my friends boyfriends are/have been. And even though you can't cuddle every night you can still make it work with a few things all of us long distance lovers have surely tried.

First of all, you're going to need a web cam so you can see your sweetie, no matter where you might be. My personal choice is skype. You can drag your laptop into a cozy spot and talk for hours, or just have a quick chat before going out. Skype is a given, if you don't have it, get it! Google talk also works wonders and has better video quality.

Another important thing to think about is you cell phone or home phone, and the long distance plan. Make sure you have unlimited, or put them in your top five so if you have an urge to dial 'em, you can at ease! Texting is also good, it's nice just to be able to update each other on little things through the week. I also enjoy receiving simple smiley faces.

Now, when things get busy, that's when stuff gets tough. But if you are both working hard, it's easier to make it through. Just stay focused, and if you can't talk every day, sneak in a quick text, or even a five minute phone call on your commute.

And of course, there are the trips. Take turns visiting one another, or even make a weekend trip to another city to get away for a bit. The few days you get to spend together every so often are the most important in making it work.

Of course, it can't always work, so don't beat yourself up if it doesn't. Depending on distance, it can be difficult, but it all depends on what you make of it. IT doesn't have to be complicated unless you make it that way.

What are some of YOUR tips on keeping your long distance love alive?

-M

*Photos via longdistancelover.com & cupidblogger.com