Life
5 Ways I Stay Sane in My Long Distance Relationship
Hate to break it to you, folks. But, while my boyfriend moved to Germany four months ago, and it's hard to live so far apart, we're still surviving, and even thriving. I can't pretend to be an expert, but if we can make it, so can you.
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The sex thing
Let’s talk about long distance sex right off the bat, because the biggest mistake you could make is not to talk about. Figuring out your new sex life might just be the most important thing you guys will do. You might want to talk about an open relationship situation, and you might want to throw some webcam action with your partner in the mix. Whatever you do, don’t ignore it. And certainly don’t neglect getting some battery-operated help from your local sex shop.
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Technology is your friend
My boyfriend’s departure has done more for my knowledge of apps than any other event in my life. Should you go with Viber or Whatsapp? Well, only with Viber can you make international phone calls, but Whatsapp has the best emoticon selection (for when you need to send a chicken). Google Hangouts freeze less than Skype calls, but you’re more likely to see your lover pixelated. The lesson is, try it all! You’re bound to find what works best you two.
Keep the green monster at bay
One of the weirdest and hardest things about being so far from your partner is not knowing what they’re doing, pretty much always. Trust is one of the most important parts of going long-distance. Talk about your feelings. And remember, you guys chose to stay together, and that says a lot. So when he makes a new friend who happens to be a pretty girl, don’t torture yourself by imagining potential infidelity scenarios.
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Content, content, content
Yes, Lil Bub can save your relationship. When you spend months away from your partner, the talk can get dry. Lulls in the conversation that would normally have been filled with watching a movie or grabbing a bite to eat need something new. Pick a TV show you both watch, or read the same book, or just browse funny cat pictures together. Talking about shared interests will help keep your relationship fresh.
Try: Lil Bub’s Lil Book, $12, Amazon
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Love is all around
Not to get all Love Actually on you, but come on. Look at this cute couple. One thing is for sure, no matter how hard long distance love can feel, there’s nothing that beats seeing your partner for the first time in months. So think about it, talk about it, bask in the joy of looking forward to it. If you’re lucky, long distance love will only make you realize how much you care for each other.
Image: Fotolia
