Being in a long-distance relationship can kind of suck. I know this because I've been there.
I met my current boyfriend three months before my pre-determined departure date to work abroad in Japan for an entire year. Not exactly the best timing in the world.
And yet... we decided to take the long-distance plunge anyway. And though it got difficult and lonely to maintain a committed relationship with a 17-hour-time difference and the entire Pacific Ocean between us, we made it fun as much as we possibly could.
If you are in a long-distance relationship, or are about to transition into one, my heart goes out to you for all the sacrifices you have to make and the unique challenges you have to endure.
Here are my 7 tips, from someone who's been there and done that.
1. Skype is Your Best Friend. You can drop a lot of money on long-distance overseas phone calls. Or you can download Skype for free with your significant other and talk as much as you possibly can. If you don't have a MacBook, an extra investment in a webcam and a microphone is totally worth it.
2. This is Your Perfect Excuse to Make Cute Care Packages and Send Letters. Making care packages is fun. So is receiving them. There are few things more gratifying than fillingl a box with goofball gifts and delicious foreign snacks and mailing it off with the happy knowledge that it would make the recipient very happy in the following week.
3. Experience New Places as a Couple. Being in Japan gave my boyfriend the incentive to travel to another country for the first time ever to come visit me. Though being in a long-distance relationshp was hard, we at least made the most of it by making great couple memories in exciting locations that otherwise would not have ever happened if I didn't ever go to Japan: like biking through downtown Kyoto at night, indulging in great street food in Tokyo, and exploring the crazy night markets in Taipei. Consider your long-distance relationship as an exciting opportunity to travel to new places as a couple.
4. Have the Best Social Support System Ever. Not having your significant other around when you really need to talk to the person the most is one of the hardest challenges in a long-distance relationship. This is why it is more crucial than ever to make sure that you also have your friends and family you can really open up to. The last thing you want is to begin resenting your significant other or the situation for not being more convenient to your emotional needs.
CONTINUE READING 7 Ways to Survive the Long-Distance, Long-Term Romantic Relationship ON INTENT.COMBy Yumi Sakugawa on Intent.com
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