You found someone in college who’s an all around great person. Everything about this person fascinates you. It’s like when you first met, you two ‘just clicked’. The best part is, you don’t have to deal with any long distance. You get to spend everyday together after class, and the most time apart you’d ever have to endure is the five-minute walk from your dorm building to theirs.
But then the whole semester flies by way too fast and the holidays are right around the corner. As much as you’re excited to go back home to your two dogs, parents and unlimited food, you don’t want to spend the holidays away from your lover. How does anyone transition from seeing someone everyday for at least a semester to not seeing them at all?
Austin Dombrowski, a junior from Texas State University, and his girlfriend have a ‘fool-proof plan’ to beat the ‘holiday wait’. Together for eight months now, Dombrowski and his girlfriend spend tons of times together participating in Phi Sigma Pi events and just enjoying each other’s company. Although they will be apart this winter break, they’ve come up with a few ideas to make the distance more bearable.
“When we are apart, we usually Skype at night. But this Christmas she is going on a cruise so we won’t be able to do that,” Dombrowski said. “We decided to write letters to each other [while apart] and open them on Christmas day. We’re also going to exchange gifts as soon as she arrives.”
Communication is extremely important when distance is involved. Although the two of you may be busy doing different things, Dombrowski says that contacting each other as much as your schedule allows will, “keep your mind and heart at ease.” A phone call every couple of days, a Skype session every so often and even a simple text would make do. Any communication is better than none.
“The hardest part of being separated is being alone. If you stay busy and keep yourself around your friends, it’s a lot easier,” Dombrowski said. “But if you stay by yourself, you’ll find it hard to keep your mind off of the absence of your other half.”
Keeping a long-distance relationship strong has its struggles, but it isn’t impossible. Communicating and expressing yourself is most important, especially when you don’t have the luxury of seeing your significant other whenever you want. The secret to keeping your love going is no secret at all. Open communication, trust and having faith in each other will keep you two strong. If the feelings are there, and you’re willing to work at it, the relationship will grow.
Although you won’t be cuddling with your significant other this winter break, it doesn’t mean your holidays are ruined. Remember the saying, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder,’ and enjoy the holidays with eggnog, Christmas movies and relaxation.
Photos taken from ensojourney.com and bodiedbybrianna.wordpress.com
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