Humans logo

Long Distance Relationships

Making It Work

By Sophie GeorgePublished 6 years ago 4 min read
Like
Sunrise in Tunisia

For almost four year my fiancee and I lived 448 miles apart. Sim lived in Cwmfelinfach, South Wales - the area we're both from and I lived in St Andrews, Scotland. We'd met 7 months before I left for university and got together pretty much straight away. I'd already firmed St Andrews as my first choice on UCAS so once we were together there was no going back!

How did we make it work? Well it was tricky, but when you love someone you find a way. Though these tips might not all work for you hopefully some of them will be able to help you out.

1. Phone Calls/FaceTime/Skype, etc:

Sim and I talked pretty much every evening. Around 9 o'clock we'd either call or FaceTime for an hour to an hour and a half, say good night and go to bed (yep we go to bed at half 10, we're old people!). This was a great way to catch and connect.

*Handy tip: If you're using your landline and have free evening calls check the small print. My first month at uni resulted in an astronomical bill when we didn't realise phone calls were only free for the first hour! If that's the case for you too, set a timer, hang up and call again!*

2. Watching TV Together:

As well as our daily phone calls we also watched TV together. Thanks to the wonder that is Sky Go (and my mum for her purchase of my TV license) we could watch our favourite programmes, namely Game of Thrones and Taskmaster together. This was a great way to have an almost date night whilst apart. Plus no one is mad because the other person watched the next episode without them!

*Handy tip 2: Unfortunately you're unlikely to be watching at the exact same time, this may result in your reaction giving something away and the other person getting mad!

3. Regular Visits:

Sim and I were lucky enough to be able to see each other in person about once a month. Between me going home or him coming up we got to spend 1 weekend a month (roughly) together. This was great and although being apart was hard it did mean seeing each other in person was so much more special!

4. Phone Sex:

You may be miles apart but you still have to scratch that itch. Technology is a wondrous thing and can you help you greatly in this area. 'Nuff said ;)

5. Supporting Each Other:

If you're in a long distance relationship chances are it's because one of you is doing something you really want to do. Be that studying, working etc. It's important to support one another in what you're doing. Being away from each other is hard enough but having to deal with a resentful other half will only exacerbate the situation. Sim was a fabulous support to me whilst I was at uni and I can honestly say I don't think I could have done it without him.

6. Supporting Others:

Supporting other people in long distance relationships. So often it turns into a competition; 'oh but we're further apart', 'oh but we haven't seen each other in much longer', 'oh but we've been together longer' etc etc. This has to be my absolute pet peeve! It's not a competition! Others in long distance relationships should be supporting each other, being a friendly ear, a shoulder to cry on. You know better than anyone else what its like so support each other don't tear others down!

*This also goes for friends of those in long distance relationships that aren't in them themselves. No one needs to hear; 'why don't you just break up it'd be easier?', 'why would you want to be tied down?' etc. It's tricky enough as it is, so be a friend and support, even if you don't agree or understand.

7. Letters and Gifts:

Now I'm not saying you should buy each other's love but it is nice to receive a little gift or letter once in a while to remind you that your partner is thinking of you. Sim and I often sent little letters to one another just as a little surprise. We also sometimes sent chocolates, flowers or little things that they'd mentioned they'd seen and liked.

8. Committing To It:

The final point here is pretty self explanatory. You have to be committed to your relationship to make it work long distance. It's tough, you'll probably get upset but if you love them and want to be with them you'll want to power through anyway!

Thanks for reading! If you're having a tough time in a long distance relationship right now and want to talk please get in touch!

dating
Like

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.