Students face challenge of maintaining long-distance romances

Published Sep 02, 2024  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Happy man smiling while having a long-distance relationship and sending flowers to his girlfriend during a video call. Getty Images

Long-distance relationships are tough for any couple, but they can be a really tough challenge for young people?

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With students heading off to college and university, many aren’t ready to split up with their significant others.

So it seems the plan is to go away — and stay together. Realistic?

Well, it depends on how much effort a person is ready to put in.

While there are many obstacles — such as possible bouts of jealousy, and a lack of physical intimacy and communication — there are ways to overcome the distance.

Date nights may often be the same, but Anastasiya Pochotna, a relationship and dating expert at the Flirtini dating app, suggested reinventing the routine.

“Mix things up to keep your connection interesting rather than slipping into the trap of everyday communication. Spontaneity is your best friend here,” Pochotna told The Toronto Sun.

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What does that mean exactly? In a nutshell, go nuts. Think about sending voice notes or video clips, rather than just texts or emails.

Pochotna also recommended creating weekly playlists that remind you of each other or match whatever mood you’re in.

Creating challenges for one another could make the separation feel more like a game: “Who can find the strangest snack on campus or make the funniest meme by the end of the week.”

Pochotna said little challenges will keep things lighthearted, all while continuing to create shared memories — even when you’re not physically together.

Going old school is key because while digital communication is easy, handwritten letters are romantic as heck.

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“Writing letters to each other can become a cherished tradition in which you share thoughts and feelings that would be difficult to explain with a text,” Pochotna said.

“These sweet notes will serve as a beautiful, physical reminder of your love for each other.”

Generation Z are experts at all things virtual, so building a virtual date kit should be a breeze.

“This could be a list of movies or TV shows you want to watch together while on the phone, online games you both enjoy or even recipes you can prepare simultaneously in your different kitchens,” Pochotna said.

“Planning these virtual dates ahead of time adds to the excitement and guarantees your time together is intentional, not just a means to pass the time.”

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