Long-Distance Relationships are Doable

“I just, I can’t handle a long-distance relationship in college; I’m too young to be tied down! I’m sorry. I hope you understand.” Most relationships end like this every August, if not May when school comes to a close and teenagers are going off to college. A lot of people say that it’s not worth it to start school with a boyfriend or girlfriend. They say that it won’t last. And they’re right, usually. If you are dedicated enough you won’t have too much of a problem keeping your partner. Yes, it will be tough. There’s no denying that. But it’s possible to go to different colleges, or be far away from each other and still maintain a healthy relationship.

Photo by Roberto Trm on flickr.com

Let’s start with an example. A good friend of mine had been going out with her boyfriend for a year and a half before they both went to college. She goes to Sam Houston and he is a Fightin’ Texas Aggie. They are half way through their second year and are still as strong as ever. They get to visit each other about once a month, and it’s like they were never apart. The key to coping with the absence is communication. I’m not talking about texting, though that doesn’t hurt. I mean actually talking on the phone, and being open and honest with each other. If you can’t be honest with your partner, you might as well cut the rope and end things now before someone gets hurt.

Another thing that helps is faith. I’m not going to be all preachy and try to convert you. The faith I’m referring to is in your partner and yourself. If you have faith that he/she is just living life as are you, you’ll be fine. What I’m saying is, don’t be paranoid. Nobody likes the one who is constantly texting, and calling, and Facebook-ing the other trying to figure out what he is doing every second of every day. And by faith in you, I mean trust yourself. You can go out on the town and have a good time without doing anything stupid. A little harmless flirting never hurt anyone; sometimes it’s nice to get attention. But nothing more should be going on.

That’s basically all there is to it. Yes I know you’re worried. Who isn’t? Yes I know it’s going to be hard seeing your other friends with significant others that go to the same school. Yes I know you have a little bit of doubt in your mind. I’m telling you right now to ask yourself one question. Can you honestly see yourself with this person in the future? If the answer is anything but yes, or if you hesitated you’ve already made a decision in your mind. It won’t work out. But like I mentioned earlier, if you have faith, it’ll be okay.