5 Ways to Make Your LDR the LOYL

I met Matt online when I was visiting family in Pennsylvania. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for, but he was funny and nice and super fun to talk to. I was 19 years old. We became instant friends and we continued to talk on and off after I went home, and even when we were seeing other people, because we weren't together, really. After a while, Matt got tired of it. He told me we couldn't just be friends—he wanted to be with me or we could have nothing. It hit me so hard. I realized how much I wanted to be with him. I had been so worried about the distance that I wasn't following my heart. Even though I live in Massachusetts and he lives in Pennsylvania, I took a chance, and now I know I met the man I want to spend my life with, even from eight hours away. It's difficult, but we make it work, and you can, too. There are ways to make long distance easier, and by utilizing resources available, it can make being far away a whole lot easier.

1. Use Skype, FaceTime, etc.

We video chat maybe three times a week since he works nights and I have college classes. If we can't video chat, he always calls me on the phone, even if it's only for a few minutes when he has a break. We like to talk about our day and talk about funny videos and memes because we share the same sense of humor. Seeing him face to face while talking to him makes it a lot easier when I can't see him in person all the time. Utilize technology—it will be your best friend.

2. Plan times to visit.

Whether he/she is coming to visit you or your going to visit them, you could make it spontaneous, but making a plan definitely has its perks. You have something to look forward to and you can plan all of the fun things you'll do while you're with them. Plus, bus, train, and plane tickets are always cheaper when you get them in advance. If your S/O works full-time, it's also easier to get time off when planning in advance. We usually plan visits a few weeks in advance so that we can plan the other aspects of our lives accordingly. I definitely enjoy having those visits to look forward to!

3. Don't get angry when they don't respond right away.

Obviously you don't know exactly what they're doing at every second of the day, but if they leave you on read or they don't respond right away, don't overthink it—especially if they work or have other responsibilities. They might just be busy. If they care about you, they might tell you what they did that day and why they were so busy. They're not ignoring you, they're taking care of business. They're doing the same thing you are, and who doesn't like to be with someone who is motivated!

4. Don't let others get in the middle.

This is a real relationship, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And don't let other people think that they can make a move just because your S/O isn't around. This is YOUR relationship and no one should be able to stand in the way of that. Also, your relationship, your business. You don't have to explain anything to anyone! As long as you're happy, your true friends will support you and your judgement.

5. TRUST THEM.

Trust is SO important in a relationship, even if the person lives far away from you. If he/she is accusing you of cheating, or you're accusing them of cheating, the trust won't be as strong. It's important to trust the person you're with. If the love is mutual, everything will fall into place. Let them live their life while you live yours. Try not to worry, and trust their feelings for you. It will make things much easier.

I hope these tips have come in handy! Long distance is definitely hard, but if you found your soulmate, it's definitely worth it!