Fifty percent of college students report being in a long distance relationship their first year of college. With summer fast approaching and another year of seniors graduating, it’s time to talk long distance. If you’re an underclassman, and your senior significant other is off to college, it can be a confusing time for you. It can also be difficult if your senior year is coming to an end, and you and your significant other are departing to different colleges. You debate whether or not to stay with your boyfriend or girlfriend and if you do, what will happen in the future. If you both put forth effort, you can make the relationship work.

   Everyone knows the old saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” With most long distance relationships this is definitely the case. Being away from your boyfriend or girlfriend will make seeing them that much better. You’ll always have things to talk about when you’re together, which will always make hanging out enjoyable. Hearing about the new things going on in one another’s lives will make for good conversation.

   This experience will allow both of you to have more free time. You’ll be able to have more time for your friends and things you want to do rather than have to worry about making plans to spend time with your other half. Trying new things and making new friends will be the highlight of your time apart. You will be open to growth and change.

   Many look at the distance negatively, but the issues that come up can be solved. Although some conflict may arise along the way, this will only make your bond stronger. Arguments happen in any relationship, regardless of distance. Things like this allow you to see things from a different perspective. It’s times like these that will allow you to see how one another has grown and gives you time to accept it. Also, some people automatically associate cheating with distance. This isn’t necessarily the case. If both people in the relationship want it to work, both will be faithful. Whether you’re close or far away, honesty is what matters.

   Overall, the time you spend apart will bring you closer together. It will allow you to grow and change without someone watching over you all the time. When you do see your loved one, having been apart will make you cherish that time even more. You will both have to put in some work, but in the end long distance relationships can work.