I have been in a relationship with my boyfriend, Fletcher, for almost six years. We started dating our Freshman year of high school back in 2017. After dating throughout high school, when it came to deciding what college we wanted to attend, we decided that we should go to a college that made us happy and not just follow the other person to whatever college they went to. That being said, we have successfully done long distance for almost three years now, over seven hours apart. We could only have survived as a couple with the tips and tricks listed below.

Tip #1: Have a Goal In Mind

The most important thing is that you MUST have a goal for what will happen once the long distance ends. Will you move in with each other? Will you continue to do long distance post-college? You need to ask yourself and your partner these essential questions to have a goal in mind for what will happen once you complete the distance. My boyfriend and I have a goal: I will move in with him once I graduate in Spring 2025 while he finishes his last year of college. Having a goal and an end date gives you something to look forward to and work towards.

Tip #2: Always Set a Date When You’ll See Each Other Next

Another helpful tip is always to set a date to see each other next. Whether that is next weekend, in three months, or one year, this goes along with tip #1, as it gives you something to look forward to. I have a countdown app on my phone that you can add as a widget on your screensaver, so I always know how many more days I have till we can see each other again. This makes it easier, so instead of saying that long distance will be over in two years, you can say I only have two more weeks until I get to see you again. It is like setting mini goals until you reach your final big goal.

Tip #3: Find a Balance

Long distance is hard, and your primary focus will always be your significant other, but don’t let that take you away from your personal life. It would help if you found an equal balance between your long distance life and personal life, whether in college or working. Stay away from every weekend driving to see each other and take advantage of opportunities with your friends. Your friendships also matter; you don’t want to break that bond between them and you because of your relationship. It would be best if you found a healthy balance between the two.

Tip #4: Make Time for Video/Phone Calls

Taking time out of your schedule to call your significant other is helpful. You can text and Snapchat all the time, but hearing the other person’s voice and dedicating your full time and attention to each other for a little bit is helpful when you are apart. Make sure you take the time out of your schedules to find an hour or two to make that call and catch up without any distractions between the two of you; it does wonders.

Tip #5: Find Something You Can Still Do Together

My final tip is to find something you guys enjoy doing that you can do together when you are apart. This could be something like watching the same TV show or movie and talking about it. One thing Fletcher and I like to do is play Minecraft together. We created a world together and played on the same server. This is something we enjoy doing and is a common hobby we share between us. Find that similar interest between you and your significant other and make it happen even with the distance.

I am no long distance expert in any way, shape, or form, but these helpful tips have helped Fletcher and me during our long distance journey, and I hope they work for you as well!