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Good News - Broward Edition
24
February 2013
RELATIONSHIPS
Cresonia Hseih
Good News
Whether it is a consequence of
work, college or the pursuit of other
endeavors,
long-distance
relationships are becoming more
popular. In fact, according to
Statistic Brain, it is estimated that 4
to 4.5 million non-married college
couples and 3.75 million married
couples are in a long-distance
relationship. Nevertheless, being in
a long-distance relationship is still
challenging. Even with the phone,
the internet and the ease of flight, it
is still very difficult to cultivate and
maintain a healthy relationship
from afar. Here are some tips that
make a long-distance relationship
sustainable.
Do not put your life on hold
Just because your significant
other is away does not give you an
excuse to put your life on pause
until they come back. The two of
you are most likely apart for a
productive reason, like work or
school, but you must realize that
living life apart does not have to
mean that you will grow apart.
Realize that growing apart and
growing individually and separately
are two very different things. Once
you see the difference, the phrase
“long-distance relationship” will
suddenly take on a newmeaning
.
Do take this time as an
opportunity to growas an
individual
Whether it is a book club,
exercise class or new hobby, take
advantage of this time to work on
yourself. With this newfound time,
you can spendmore timewith your
kids, reconnectwithold friends and
focus onwhoGod wants you to be
as an individual. It can be an
exciting and empowering time if
you approach it with the right
mindset.
Do notmake surprise visits
It may sound romantic, but
probably will not be. Unless your
significant other’s friends, family
and coworkers all know about the
potential visit, it could be a
catastrophic event. Your significant
other may have a meeting or other
important
plan
scheduled.
Additionally, by randomly flying for
a surprise visit, youmay not be able
to capitalize on your fleeting time
together because of the spontaneity
of the event. However, planned
visits are great provided you have
the resources. Just make sure you
plan ahead!
Do send unexpected letters
and care packages
Being apart can be lonesome,
but thoughtful notes and gifts can
perk up anyone’s day. Send
homemade baked goods, favorite
treats sold exclusively at your
nearby market or photographs.
Even silly picture messages via
phone will do. Your significant
other will appreciate the thought,
and you will feel good about
brightening his or her day.
Do not neglect theworld
around you
Thismay come as ano-brainer,
but in the beginning of every
relationship, there is always that
period where every encounter or
phone call seems heaven sent.
Eventually, you will come down
from cloud nine. However, know
that the phone will ring again, and
in the meantime, you ought to
enjoy the time you have even if it is
spent apart.
Do schedule your
correspondences
In an effort to avoid obsessing
over every call, designate a regular
time and day to talk. That way
neither of you will interfere with
each other’s responsibilities and
plans, and nobody is stuck glued to
their computer or cell phone.
You could even expand this
concept to scheduling dates. Use
Skype, Oovoo or Gmail Chat as a
way to video chat online. You can
spend time together doingmorning
devotions, having a mid-day meal
or sharing an evening coffee. The
possibilities are limitless!
Long-distance relationships do
not have to be miserable. With
smart phones and webcams, you
can still hear, see and talk to your
significant other. Save upmoney for
flights, and you have the whole
experience! But with every
relationship, time, patience, honesty
and persistence are key. Continue
to be open with each other about
finances, feelings, and current
events. Enjoy the time apart,
patiently wait for their return, and
in no time the days of Skype and
emails will only be a memory.
Cresonia is a contributing writer for
the Good News of South Florida
and can be reached at
cresoniahsieh@yahoo.com.
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Long Distance Love