Hey Harlan,

I've suddenly come to realize that there are fewer than three months left before summer. I met a girl at the end of last school year, so we've now been dating for about nine months. We go to school in St. Louis, but she lives in Chicago and I live in Austin. We won't get to see each other more than maybe once all summer. Although we went through last summer together, it was different, in that we had just started dating. I'm worried that this summer will be harder because we saw each other nearly every single day this school year and are much closer now. Any tips on how to deal with the distance and still stay close? Any unique ideas?

Going the Distance

 

Hey Going the Distance,

Stay busy. If you're sitting around thinking about everything she's doing and she's sitting around wondering what you're doing, your minds will wander. Then someone will start to get jealous. Then you'll break up. Here's an idea - get a couple of jobs that keep you busy, and make enough money to plan a second trip. Book your trip early, and look for student deals (flights, trains, bus, etc). As for staying connected, plan "dates" online. Set up a date night and have dinner via webcam. Watch a movie together (keep your pants on). You even can cook together and send what you've baked. To help you get more ideas, I'd love to share what other people have done to keep their LDRs hot during the summer. Send your unique ideas to Harlan@helpmeharlan.com, Subject: LDR Suggestions. I'll share them in the column and on my website.

 

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