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The holiday season is here and it seems like everywhere is full of loved up couples – there’s just no escaping it. And when your other half isn’t around, this time of year can be quite a challenge.
For many of us, moving to university is daunting, especially when home is on the other side of a 4 hour train journey. There is no doubt about it, packing your bags and saying your, albeit temporary, goodbyes is difficult. But what happens when you throw in the complication of leaving a partner behind too?
There appears to be a great divide on the matter. The singletons amongst us think it’s an impractical idea, destined for failure and not worth the hassle. However, when I questioned the ones in relationships, long distance or otherwise, they disagreed.
Whether your significant other is someone you met at home, or someone you met at university, you’ll have to suffer long periods apart. Christmas is arguably one of the hardest times to be without them – couples are all around, mistletoe is above every door, and don’t forget the ‘love actually’ type films shown on TV every day. When you’re bombarded by love everywhere you go, the absence of a partner is just that bit harder to cope with.
University life presents many a challenge for the taken. Where can I fit in a Skype session between finishing my assignment, going to yoga and Ziggy’s tonight? How can I spend £30 on a train ticket when I’m eating Smartprice beans? Finding a balance is easier said than done, and challenges crop up in all sorts of way.
Another common trouble evident in long distance relationships is the temptation to stray. The opposite sex is everywhere and you’re being introduced to more people than ever before - chances are you’ll take a liking to one of them. It’s easy to grow close to someone you see every day, but extremely tough to stay close to someone you see only once a month. Of course there’s texting, phoning and skyping, but does it really bridge the 70 mile gap?
However strong your relationship is, you’re likely to experience some doubts about whether it’s going to work. A case of, out of sight, out of mind. Ed Sheeran sang about a similar situation with his girlfriend at university – “That’s why you and I ended over U.N.I”. He made the point that on the surface, they were a perfect couple but the distance was too much, something many students can relate to. It seems for a relationship, university is its biggest hurdle. It’ll either bound forward, or fall flat on its face.
Maybe only a select few will make it, but it is possible! We all know that one cute couple that did it, and went through a lot more than having to spend time apart. So although the festive period can be a struggle, don’t dwell on your time apart. Think of how great your time together is and maybe the distance won’t seem like such a burden.
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