Hi There Angels,
So my girl Nicole (another PYM Girl) & I have decided to collaborate on a blog about ‘Long Distance’ – just a few things we’ve learned, some advice & songs to go along with the struggles!
So, if you are reading this, we assume you have experienced or are currently experiencing ‘long distance’. Girl – we feel you, you are not alone. Long Distance is HARD – but it is also so rewarding knowing that we are with someone who is worth the distance.
Distance has taught us so much about ourselves & what we need in our relationship. It has made us stronger as couples & as individuals. So here we go…
How to make the best of your situation
Communicate – This is important whether you live together, live in the same state, or even if you live 1,000 miles away from each other. Communication is key so you know what your significant other is thinking & what they need from you. You need to be so transparent & honest with each other. It allows you to feel connected, & up to date with their everyday life, even when you can’t physically be together – & I promise you will both benefit from it.
Make Time – This one should be capitalized & underlined. Working full time, going to school, being a mom, running a business, whatever your life consists of – we all know life can get super busy & hectic – Making time for each other is a task, but also a priority.
Whether it be a quick phone call, a nice text to wake up to or a goodnight FaceTime call.
These may seem like very small factors in a relationship, but when you go weeks or even months on end without getting to physically see your significant other, these little things become the big things. These things bring comfort, support & reassurance. It’s nice to know that even caught up in the craziness of everyday life that you can still take time to let your loved ones know that they are on your mind.
The little things – The little things become the big things when doing distance. The quick texts or phone calls, the facetime dates, a $5 Venmo for your morning coffee, & little surprises in the mail.
Goodbyes – The easier goodbyes are when you already have the next flight planned & booked, or even your next visit – the hardest goodbyes are when you don’t know when you get to see each other again (those goodbyes hurt). Whichever goodbye you are facing – always hug tightly & continue to have faith!
Reach out to other long distance couples – This X’s 8364, having someone who knows your situation & understands it is beyond words. Having a fellow couple with you through the madness should be a #1 – you will have someone to vent to when you’re missing them, someone you can relate to, & someone to bring you all the encouragement in the world.
Give Grace – ‘Give Grace’ – these two words absolutely put me in my place. This long distance life is stressful & emotional for both you & your significant other – but remember it’s hard on them too – I’m not saying you can’t tell them how you’re feeling, but maybe consider venting to a friend or family member, give grace.
Make visits to each other – Like we said earlier, saying goodbye sucks. I am not a sappy person and now when I leave my boyfriend, I catch myself crying in the airport. It’s difficult knowing when the next time you will see eachother is and you hate to miss the important moments. But and I mean BUT with the strongest emphasis, try to plan your NEXT trip to each other before you go. Getting to look forward to another adventure together is the best way to get through the days apart.
Understand you cannot control the uncontrollable – I say this so gosh darn much that anyone that knows me is laughing already. This is huge to me and one of my favorite sayings.
You can’t control anything in this world. AND THAT IS OKAY. It may not feel okay, but it is because it is beyond your doing.
Close your eyes, pray and take a deep breath. More importantly, focus on something you can control like how much wine can fit in your glass! (are we right?) 😉
Get a gift you can hold onto – Whether it be a blanket they bought you, a stuffed animal, a necklace with their initial, etc. These little reminders are a nice smile to put on in the morning, or hold tight at night and a small way to feel like your S.O is with you everyday.
STAY POSITIVE – Where are all of my positive polly’s at?!? Negative Nancy’s cannot exist in the long distance world. It’s hard, it’s tough and the last thing you need is to be negative. I promise, there is a light at the end of the tunnel so look for it and strive for it!
Push the jealousy aside – Sometimes it can get so hard scrolling through social media and seeing everyone else post cute things with their significant other. Everyday on Facebook you see someone getting engaged, buying a house or having a baby all while you are living in a different city than your S.O or even a different state. But even though the jealousy bug may come creeping by, don’t let it bite you. Cheer for those people!! Be happy for them!! You’re just living a different life which is okay, but promise it’s okay to clap for them!
Here is a list of songs that help long distance seem a little easier or can give you a good smile/cry session (whichever you’re feeling) –
–Wherever you are by Scotty McCreery
–All to Myself by Dan & Shay
–Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga
–Back To Me by Chris Lane
–Blessed the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
–Born to Love You by LANCO
–Chapters by Brett Young
–Everytime I Hear Your Name by Keith Anderson
–Eyes on You by Chase Rice
–Gold by Jessie James Decker
–Here Tonight by Brett Young
–Homesick by Kane Brown
–Kisses at Airports by Cassadee Pope
–Little Bitty Dreams by Will Hoge
–Makin Plans by Miranda Lambert
–Phone Call To God by Brett Eldridge
–Run Away With You by Michael Ray
–Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur
–When I Pray For You by Dan and Shay
If anyone is ever struggling with a long distance relationship please reach out to the two of us. We may not have it mastered & we probably never will – but we are all ears & always here to talk!