I've been in one for the past year. I live on the East Coast, and my honey is in the Midwest. It takes a lot of work, and I don't think weak, insecure people can thrive in one. I'm in school, and that is MY FIRST PRIORITY (next to family). That said, our visits are limited to school breaks (but not holidays), and long phone calls are limited to weeekends. It's been working out really well...if this summer goes well, we're going to do a move. Trust is a really important issue--basically, you and your partner will be living completely independent lives and you have to simply realize that. Also, a money talk is definitely in the works--I have spent more money on this relationship (in plane tickets, phone bills, cards and letters) than anything else in my life.
Definitely plan out your next visit (not necessarily to the most inane details) before
one or the other of you leaves. It's nice to be able to put that on your calendar, look forward to it, or simply count the days. I know the periods that we didn't know the next time we'd see eachother were AGONY.
Have your own life. Don't sit around pining or knitting sweaters with his name on it. Don't bore your friends with how much you miss him.
I know the things I'm saying seem cold and methodical, and have been and will be repeated. But, I think if you're willing to stay together, these things can work. Being in school, I'm surrounded by long-distance relationships which span much longer distances for much longer amounts of time, so I always remind myself how I have little cause for complaint.
Best of luck.
|