You and your high school sweetheart are written in the stars, but there’s one thing that’s standing between you: college. You are going to different schools – perhaps thousands of miles apart. Splitting up would break both of your hearts, but you’re worried about how the distance is going to affect your relationship.
Going off to college doesn’t have to be the end of your high school romance! Here are some tips that will help you maintain your relationship and keep it going strong while you’re both earning your degrees.
Trust Each Other
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and it’s particularly important when you’re long distance. When you can trust your boyfriend or girlfriend, you can both be happy and confident with your relationship. Remember to behave how you would want your partner to behave. Even innocent flirting could have serious repercussions, so before you act, ask yourself, “Would this betray my other half’s trust?”
Communication is Key
Maintaining your high school relationship when you’re both away at college may be challenging, but remember that you’ll get out of your relationship what you put into it. It’s extremely important to communicate with each other. Even when your class schedules are conflicting and the assignments are piling high, make time to speak with each other on a regular basis. Phone calls, texts, emails, and even snail mail (there’s something so romantic about receiving a hand-written letter from a loved one), are all great ways to stay connected. Plus, it will strengthen your bond and nurture your love.
Space is Important
While communicating on a regular basis is certainly an important part of maintaining your relationship, you also have to give your partner some space. You’re both in college. If you’re constantly texting, calling, Skyping, and emailing each other, you could miss out on the whole college experience. Plus, if you’re the one who is constantly reaching out, your partner may feel like you are being too clingy and could become a major drag.
Remember to give each other some space. If you trust one another, giving each other space shouldn’t be a problem.
Send Care Packages
To a college student, getting a package in the mail is like winning the lottery; when that package comes from a high school sweetheart, it’s like hitting the jackpot! Send a care package every once in a while. Fill a box with one of your old T-shirts, a stuffed animal, books that you have read (and jotted some notes down in the margins), scrapbooks, and some of your other half’s favorite snacks. Nothing says “I’m thinking about you” better than a care package filled with goodies.
Be Open Minded
Things are going to change a lot when you go to college, including your relationship with your other half. Have an open mind and be willing to accept those changes. If you are deadest against them, you’ll only put up roadblocks in your relationship, which could do serious damage. Navigate through those changes together and you’ll be even better and stronger than you were before!
Speak Your Mind
If something is bothering you about your relationship, don’t be afraid to open up and talk about it! If you bottle it up and try to ignore it, it’s only going to fester. It may even make you end up distrusting your partner and ruining your relationship. Be open and honest about how you are feeling. If your other half is truly committed, he or she will listen attentively and make changes to correct whatever is it that’s bothering you.