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Rebecca Meyers<\/strong> | Lifestyle Editor<\/span><\/p>\n As it turns out, some of that technology that our parents kept complaining made us antisocial can actually be used to be keep in contact with people in many new ways. One big example is long distance relationships, which tend to rely on methods of communication like texting and video chat. These still can\u2019t quite make up for missing the real thing, however, and because of this many are skeptical when it comes to making long-distance work. The good news is that these relationships can work just fine as long as both people are committed to making it work. Stephanie Franco, a senior business major, is just one example of why this is true \u2014 she\u2019s been in a long distance relationship for about five years. Her reason why come down to a few simple tips. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou gotta put in the work, and you gotta communicate,\u201d Franco said. Any relationship requires some work put in, but the distance adds a little extra. Even if you\u2019re in the same time zone, coordinating the best time for face to face communication takes a bit more effort. Also, though it is constantly repeated in relationship advice, it\u2019s still worth remembering that communication is important, even more so when it\u2019s restricted. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou have to be confident and trusting,\u201d Franco added. One side effect of the skepticism surrounding long-term relationships is that people often feel like there\u2019s pressure to make every communication or interaction count. The reality is that this is not necessarily the case for any other couple, so dropping these high expectations can have a relieving effect on partners who might feel they need to spend their limited time together a certain way. Embracing any quality time will ultimately strengthen the relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n Another main thing to keep in mind is to make sure you\u2019re both on the same page about when, how and if you\u2019re going to continue their lives together. Otherwise, someone might end up putting some of their life on hold in order to make things work out, only to find out they want different things. It\u2019s important to still feel like your life is still progressing, or at least that there\u2019s a plan you can depend on to make things work out in the end. <\/span><\/p>\n In the end, it\u2019s up to each person to decide whether long-distance relationships are for them. Like any relationship, there\u2019s a potential for it to end poorly, but there\u2019s also great potential to be closer than ever thanks to having stuck it out together. As Franco pointed out, \u201cIf you\u2019re both committed to making it happen, it will work out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wou.edu\/westernhowl\/files\/2019\/05\/IMG_3912-copy-1024x731.jpg\")
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