Long Distance Love: Long separations

The one element that truly makes a long distance relationship unlike any other is the periods of separation faced by you and your partner.

Some long distance couples live within a few hours of each other and are afforded the opportunity to see each other every weekend, while some live a more considerable distance and can only get together every once in a while. No matter which of these two categories you find your relationship in, there will inevitably be periods of separation between you and your significant other. I mean, that's what long distance relationships are all about, right?

Some people are extremely independent and thrive during the periods of separation, while others aren't quite sure what to do to get through. The one thing that I've learned through some very bumpy personal experiences is that you have to do something to cope with the separation; ignoring it or pretending that it's not happening will only make things worse.

Here are this week's tips for how to deal when your partner is far away:

- Make the most of your free time. Have a TV show that you love to watch but your partner can't stand (Grey's Anatomy, anyone?), or do you have a hobby like knitting, scrapbooking or gaming that you can never seem to find the time to do? During times of separation, focus on all the things that you like to do that your partner doesn't. This way, you will feel like you are getting the most out of your alone time.

- Get a new hobby. Try something new like cooking, knitting, sewing — anything that you've never done before that you find interesting. Taking up a new hobby is a way to pass the time while your significant other is away as well as a way to feel more fulfilled personally.

- Make new friends. Maybe you're one of those people who only has a close, core group of friends and they always seem to be busy with their boyfriends and girlfriends, leaving you alone. Try branching out and finding new people to spend time with. Try people in your classes or people you work with. Or try getting closer with those people that you would only consider acquaintances. Spending more time with friends will help you feel like you still have a full, happy life, even when you can't see your significant other.

- Say YES to invitations. Not the partying type? That's okay, but if your classmates are having a party and they invite you, say yes! This is both a great way to expand your circle of friends, spend an evening surrounded by people having fun, and to enjoy yourself instead of sitting at home pining for your partner. If you're not a big partier, you don't have to go crazy; it's okay to say no to the drinks and to head home at a reasonable time. But I promise you'll have more fun out with friends than you'll have sitting at home alone. Stay tuned next week for tips on how to keep the spark alive.