Long distance relationships can be extremely difficult, especially if you’re a rookie to the entire “1,000 miles apart” dilemma.  Although recent advances in technology and social media have definitely made communication easier for people in long distance relationships, it hasn’t solved every obstacle you may face along the way. There’s no need to fret though. Seasoned pros at handling the distance can be found all around the CSU campus, and they’re here to help.

Kelsey Dempsey, a civil engineering junior, has been in a long distance relationship with her boyfriend for nearly 13 months and counting.  They both met at a university in New Hampshire and were just friends until they made their relationship official about a week before her transfer to CSU. Dempsey said she feels as though long distance relationships help you realize earlier on whether or not your relationship is healthy. She found that her long distance relationship made her mature faster because it forced her to think about what’s really important to her within the relationship.

“If you aren’t trustworthy or if you don’t trust your partner, you find that out really fast,” Dempsey said. “Whereas, if you were in the same town, you could know if they’re actually where they say they are and who they say their with. I’m at the point in my life where if I didn’t trust him, I would end it right away because it would be a waste of my time.”

On the other hand, sophomore music major MarLee Johnson (who has been in a long distance relationship for a few years) thinks voicing when you’re upset the moment it happens is one of the most important factors to making a long distance relationship work.

“From experience, that’s where all of my problems have come from,” Johnson said. “It’s all about communication.”

Your partner can’t see your facial expressions to tell whether or not you’re upset, so it’s up to you to let them know when you’re unhappy about something. Otherwise, the trails of miscommunication could ultimately lead to the demise of your relationship.

If you’re going to commit to a long distance relationship, you have to understand that it is just that: a commitment.  When entering a long distance relationship, you must acquire a sense of maturity and want to be in the relationship for all the right reasons. You also must remember to trust your partner, and know that if they want to be in the relationship just as bad as you, there is nothing to worry about.  Lastly, communication is key. You have to remember to speak up and let your feelings be heard, or else your relationship could find itself at an end.

This article was produced for College Avenue’s Love, Sex, and Relationships issue.