Dear Miss C,
I have been dating my boyfriend for about 7 months, and now his work is taking him away for 6 months! We have decided that we want to continue our relationship long distance, so what are some tips to keeping our relationship exciting and strong?
—Missing Him Already
Dear Missing Him Already,
Being apart is difficult, but it is temporary and if you are both committed, there is no reason why you cannot make it work! But I do have some tips for you that are based on some research and discussions with peers who have made long distance relationships work (and a few who have not been so successful).
1. Set expectations. You should talk before he goes about making a plan to stay close and strong. That might include a communication plan or even a discussion of your worries and fears. Setting expectations will help you be on the same page.
2. Exchange personal gifts before he leaves. Then you will both have something to hold close on the hard days apart.
3. Communicate! Call each other, send lots of pictures, and a well-placed snail mail note can help you feel closer to one another.
4. And while we are on communication, Stay Honest! If you are having a bad day, share it. If are feeling insecure, share it! Don’t let negative feelings fester, when a conversation will help make you feel better!
5. Do things together. Sure you are apart, but with so much technology around us you can Skype or Face Time while taking walks, visiting new places, or even playing online games together. Date night video chats!
6. Don’t be afraid to find creative ways to share your intimacy. It sometimes is the close moments that help us continue to bond, even with many miles between you.
7. And schedule visits, if there is a way to travel for visits, do so!
I hope you will find these tips helpful!
Blessings,
—Miss C
Send your questions to AskMeMissC@gmail.com today! I also accept questions through my Facebook page, or via US mail to my attention to the West Bend News
