If I am being completely honest, I have no idea why I am writing this. It’s been a while since I’ve been intimate with someone, and I am very single. However, that does not mean that I don’t have any advice to give.
Given the fact that we will be away from campus for two-and-a-half months, I think it’s important to talk about how crucial communication is, especially seeing as many couples will be temporarily separated in just under a month from now. So, I will be giving some tips on how to keep the communication going over the break.
First, you have to make time to talk with your significant other. This will make it easier to give your undivided attention and be present in the conversation. If you are preoccupied with something else while you converse, it could make your significant other feel unwanted and even more isolated than they may already feel.
Second, you might have a lot of time on your hands, so use that time to get to know your significant other on a deeper level. This will make the conversation feel less like wasted time, and you may even learn something about yourself in the process.
Next, make sure you let the other person know that they matter. You can achieve this by simply doing small things for them. Maybe try sending them a hand-written letter, or find a virtual way to celebrate the small milestones you and your significant other achieve in your relationship. When a great distance separates two people, the little things can go a long way.
Another thing that can help the long distance is being consistent with when and how much you communicate. Consistency and communication go hand-in-hand. If you are not being consistent, it can make your significant other feel like they do not matter. One thing you can do to ensure consistency is carve out a set time when you talk to each other.
Lastly, think about how much stronger you and your partner will be when you are back together. Being in a long-distance relationship is truly a test of adapting and overcoming, and getting through that is something worth celebrating. So, until you and your partner reunite, be grateful for the opportunity to strengthen your relationship while apart.
Ultimately, while this period of separation will be hard, always remember that with communication, your relationship will be more secure than before. Long-distance will teach you not to take time spent together for granted.
holmes7@stolaf.edu
