He said, she said: Relationship advice

Q: My boyfriend and I met each other during the fall semester this year and started dating soon after. This summer, we will both be going back to our hometowns two hours apart.  How do I handle this summer divide?

He said:

Divided relationships are always a challenge. It's a real test of the strength of your relationship. The good news is that you're separated by a mere two hours. I've met some couples that are from separate states. Talk about a harsh summer!

While it would be unreasonable to think either of you would travel two hours every day, there are some things you can do to help keep your relationship strong.

I've told many, many people this suggestion. Invest in Skype! Skype is a great step up from the classic phone call. Buy a webcam and download the software. It is free after all. While yes you don't have the pleasure of being in each others' true company, this is about as close as you can get if you are physically separated. I think of it as digital hanging out.

So now you have more face time, but what about actual physical time spent together? Well, what you both are going to have to do is sit down and really establish when you can both see each other. Since travel is a major part of the dilemma, you have to make sure that you split the driving responsibility. Keep in mind that you are still two individuals with two totally different schedules. Don't expect the other to bend their life just to satisfy you. This time apart will let you grow as individuals as well, but if you manage the time wisely, your relationship will also grow. Do it right, and it's a win-win situation.

Time apart from each other can really hurt, but invest in Skype and manage your time so that it best accommodates both of you. I think that you will continue to flourish as a couple. Best of luck.

She said:

There really isn't anything harder than a long distance relationship — believe me, I'm in one myself. It is the definition of a "true test of your relationship."

I remember when my boyfriend left for the University of Iowa while I was going into my senior year of high school — I was emotionally unprepared for what was to come.

Ideally, the two of you will have time to catch up on the phone every day and will keep the other interested with numerous things to talk about. While this may happen for some couples, it's not realistic.

Being apart means that your attention will be focused on entirely different things and there's absolutely no way you can give your undivided attention to each thing.

I guess I'm speaking specifically about school, but you guys are together during the months of September to May. I'm not saying your situation isn't a difficult one, but you guys have it good compared to some relationships. In the summer, you can travel to one another — two hours really isn't that far away. I think you'll find that it'll go smoother than you think.

What you'll need to do is be sure to set aside time to see/talk to your significant other. You don't want to put them on the back burner all summer.

Personally, I'd rather have it so that I got to see my boyfriend during the school year and not during the summer because fall and spring semester take much more time than summer does. Summer absolutely flies by.

Think of this as a positive thing — a nice, temporary getaway to spend time with friends and family (while still visiting each other every once in awhile).

As they say, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Shoot, you two won't be able to keep your hands off each other once you finally reunite.

Maintain a positive attitude as best you can for your sweetie. You'll keep them reassured and they'll appreciate that.