Question: My girlfriend is going to Paris to study abroad for the next 4 months. We have a good relationship but I want to keep it that way. I’m afraid I might lose her. Do you have any tips for long distance relationships. 

Answer: Long distance relationships can be very challenging. Keep in mind: The distance alone will not change your feelings for each other; but it will change your dynamic. The two of you should talk about how much you will be in communication and what modes of communication you will use. Video calls on Skype or Gchat every few days or on a weekly basis can help you feel connected, as can sending each other photos and messages with updates on your daily life.

Try not to focus on making sure she comes back to you. The truth is that your anxiety about this can push her away. She will likely have a life-changing experience in Paris with lots of new things to keep her mind occupied.

The best thing for you and the relationship would be to fill your time apart with things that will make you happy and help you grow and develop. If you take up some new hobbies and stay active with friends, you will have less time to focus on missing her or strategizing ways to make the relationship work. What is meant to be, is meant to be.

If you believe you have a strong connection, know that you can both live your lives separately during this time while still staying connected. Have faith that the distance will not break you and that you will be together again!

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