How to Survive a Long Distance Relationship

Relationships are not easy. Either with family, friends or lovers, we all struggle. We argue, we forgive and we love. That is the way of life; the things we have become a custom too.

Long distance is the idea that you and a person you love are prepared to defy the traditional relationship. Being thousands of miles apart can cause problems with relationships, but they also can show how strong your love is and what it is capable of. Long distance is a make or break, you either decide it is not for you, or you try it and it doesn’t work out, or you do it and you stay together, happily.

I was with my boyfriend for a year before I moved back to the UK. We both decided that we were prepared for long distance. I already trusted him with all my heart and the feelings were replicated on his end. I was not about to let the man I love disappear because of fears my friends had put in my head such as, “Long distance never works,” “He’ll most likely cheat—that’s what happened to my friend.” Janet, I don’t care that your friends sleazy boyfriend was having a ball giving it to other females. I trust my boyfriend, the man I love, and I'm willing to keep this relationship and if it fails, at least we tried.

I have been in a long distance relationship for two years now and here is my advice:

• Do not listen to anyone else but you and your partner. People are hell bent on making life decisions for you.
• Skype, talk, text with each other, at least 2-3 times a week to keep in touch. Let one another know you’re still there for them.
• Enjoy the time you spend with one another when someone visits, get off your phone and be with each other in the moment.
• When you leave each other at the airport, tell each other you’re still in love, and focus on the fact that you will see each other soon.
• Have “sexy time.” Use the technology you have got. Skype, texting anything, but try to replicate that romance you have when you’re physically with each other.

Long distance relationships are not for everyone, but if you’re willing to try and you both feel that it is the right thing, then give it a go. Nothing bad can come of it, if you’re hating it with every inch of your body, end it. It’s okay. You can reconnect in the future or remain in touch this is just proof that at this moment in time the relationship is not working. But don’t let other people decide that for you.