Going away to college has created some long distance friendships that I’ve had to learn to navigate, as I’m sure many of my other friends have had to do as well. Along with this, I’m also in a long distance relationship that stretches over a 12 hour drive to each other. Life sweeps people in different directions. It’s supposed to! However, the growing pains and the distance that comes with it can be very difficult to navigate. Here is how I’ve managed to make navigating them a little easier.
- Send letters
Me and one of my closest childhood friends have agreed to send each other a handwritten letter every month until the school year ends. In these letters, we’ve told each other about how our classes are going, how proud we are of each other, and how excited for the future we are. It keeps us close in spirit, even when distance is far. I’ve also managed to send a surprise handwritten letter to my boyfriend. I love knowing that my loved ones have a surprise coming their way because I know it’ll make their day. There’s also something extra special about a handwritten letter. They can be kept and cherished for years to come.
- Keep a countdown
One of the few things that keeps me going when I miss someone is knowing how many days I have until I see them again. Telling each other “only a month until I see you!” keeps the excitement and anticipation strong. Whether this be how many days until I’m home for Christmas or how many days until I can see my boyfriend again…either way, a countdown is my go-to.
- Phone dates
Not always being able to go on a physical date with my boyfriend can be very challenging sometimes. While we can’t do in-person dates all the time, we can always set up dates over the phone. For example, we set aside a day to play video games together and just relax in each other’s company. Other times, we simply like to fall asleep on the phone because we find comfort in the fact that even though we aren’t talking, we’re still together in a way.
- Keep their belongings close
I love when I am in possession of one of my friends’ or boyfriends’ things. Whether that be a gift a friend gave me or one of my boyfriends shirts, I feel closer to my loved ones when I have some physical piece of them with me. Something about it being physically tangible when they aren’t gives me a sense of comfort.
