Having to live far away from someone you love can be painful. But when there is darkness, there is light. Here are a few tips and tricks that I have accumulated in my long distance relationship:

Send pictures to each other.

Randomly sending goofy pictures to the one you love will brighten up their day. Having a sense of humor through the difficult time of not seeing one another can make the relationship easier. You can’t be afraid to look “ugly”. Make a double chin, point the camera at an unflattering angle and take the shot! And you must do it randomly. I dare you to try it!

Have a cute picture of each other in your room or at your office.

I know technology has made this easier with albums on your cellphone, but have a hard copy at the place you are at the most. Why? That is a simple answer. Being able to look and hold this picture will help recreate the memory of that special moment. Mine sits on my bathroom sink. Every morning I look at the picture and smile. Sometimes it is good to go back days of having to print out your pictures. It makes the memory just a bit more real.

 Set up a specific time to call at night.

This means that by a certain time, you should stop what you are doing and talk to your loved one. Having this time is special. Do not have distractions out, and do not play on your computer or cellphone during this time. Use this time to talk to your honey. If you are living with other people like I am, it is essential that they know that you have a time when you cannot be bothered. I am positive that they will understand. I think that the best time is right before you go to bed. It is nice for your significant other to be the last person you talk to. It makes it feel like they are right there with you.

 Try not to fight.

I know, this is difficult. I can feel the eye rolls right now, but I am serious. Fighting adds so much stress to your life. When you fight with your significant other, it makes the time go by so much slower than it normally would. Why “add” more time? I understand that fighting is necessary when an important situation happening, but when people fight over something stupid, it is an absolute waste. Being in a long distance relationship adds a lot of stress to one’s life. People who are not going through the same thing can not necessarily relate, and that is okay. But you cannot take out the stress on your other half because they easily assessable. That is not fair to either one of you. So try to breathe, think about what you want to say, and learn to communicate. That is the only way you will make it.

 Lastly, distract yourself.

When you busy yourself, the time spent apart goes by faster than if you were moping around at home. Plus, they are having a life, too. There is no need to stop your entire life because you are not with the one you love. You will see them again, I promise.  Pick up a hobby, find a club to join, or dance. Just do something that will get you moving, because, before you know it, you will be in their arms once again.

Long distance relationships are difficult. The survivors need gold medals. This is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I know that it will be worth it in the long run. Learn to have fun even though you both are apart. You only get one life, so enjoy it. Celebrate the love you both have every single day, because love is a magical thing. Not everyone gets the chance to love and be loved.

 If you want the rest of my tips and tricks, watch my YouTube video!

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My name is Erin Baugh. I am a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in sociology. I do YouTube videos consisting of tutorials, reviews and anything beauty. My passion is helping others and making at least one person smile every day.

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