Nobody says it'll be easy, being on the opposite side of the world does make things that little bit harder. You can end up feeling lonely or upset you can't be there to help in times of need but that extra little bit of distance will definitely make you appreciate the simplest of things in the end: like being able to eat at the same table, going walks together, being able to hold their hand or actually seeing their face in real life and not on a phone screen everyday!
I know everyone's boyfriend simply can't be as perfect as mine but hey ho! When it comes to surviving the distance, here's what I have learned is the most important...
1) ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Apart from the next date you’ll finally get to see each other, make plans for other major moments. The minute you stop making mile stones together will be the minute you start drifting apart, wether it be a trip to a cafe you visited and wished your other half was there or a walk to a patch of grass you just happened to love, from small plans to big plans, everything becomes exciting.
2) TRUST EACH OTHER
Leaving someone for a long period of time is a commitment on top of a commitment you already have. If you have trust issues, then believe me, a long distance relationship is not for you - if you don’t then go you (woo!) trust is the basis of most things in a relationship, especially being able to enjoy yourselves without worrying!
3) COMMUNICATE
Send a “Good morning” and “Goodnight” text everyday without fail, or call. Update your boyfriend on what you’ve been doing, have at least one good thing to talk about everyday, no matter how boring or how amazing your day was. Switch it up and send photos, video and voice clips so that it just isn’t plain texts all the time.
4) CREATE A COLLABORATIVE PLAYLIST
For me, and Mark, music is one our favourite things. There’s nothing I love more than sharing new music and creating a different playlist for every type of life situation: miss your boyfriend? Stick on Spotify. Want to have a wee cry? Stick on Spotify. Need a bit of motivation? Stick on Spotify. There’s a playlist for everything and having one that you can both add to and share music on is such a good idea! Wether the songs mean something to the both of you or it’s a song you want them to appreciate, collaborative playlists are the way forward!
5) KNOW EACH OTHERS SCHEDULES
It’s always good to know when each other will be busy or free to talk. Know when important events are happening or working hours, this way it avoids either of you calling at awkward times. This can be especially hard when there is a time difference...at the moment, when I’m making my way to work at 6.30am, Mark is finishing work at 10pm. So, even though I’m 9 hours ahead we still manage to make it work.
6) GO OLD SCHOOL
Write postcards, texts become a normal thing so receiving a hand written postcard in the mail is always a nice surprise. I’ve managed to send one from every location I’ve been here in Australia so far. It’s cheap, thoughtful and you can always keep them as a souvenir to look back on.
7) HAVE A COUNTDOWN TIMER
...Cause it just makes things more exciting.
8) BE HONEST WITH EACH OTHER
Talk about your feelings, if they’re good ones or bad ones, if you keep them from your other half they’ll end up just swallowing you up. Don’t try and deal with things yourself, let your partner help you and give you the support you need.
9) STAY POSITIVE
Yes, the waiting can be painful but it’ll all be worth it in the end...my advice on staying positive all the time is being extra grateful for the simplest of things. Don’t be upset that you done something amazing and your other half wasn’t there, be happy that you’ll soon get to do all of these things together.
Louise xoxo.