With winter break approaching, many Ohio University students will spend several weeks without seeing their significant other.
For numerous other students, however, the reality of a long-distance relationship is one that is felt throughout the academic year.
Sophomore Max Resnik has been dating his girlfriend, who is a student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., for over a year.
Resnik and his girlfriend originally decided to break up before going to college but got back together less than a week later.
There's no reason to end a good thing
he said.
Trust is key in maintaining a long-distance relationship, Resnik said, adding that his girlfriend doesn't question his honesty.
I find myself tempted every Thursday through Saturday night but through the week it's a non-issue
Resnik said. I think the battles you face on a daily basis are the same
so it makes it easier to know that she's going through the same thing.
Despite the many temptations that college can bring, long-distance relationships can work, said Morgan Lucas, a mental health counselor at Hudson Health Center.
The recipe for making a long-distance relationship work is trust plus communication plus creativity
she said.Lucas said that thoughtful ways to stay connected to a partner could go a long way.
Maybe invest in a Web cam so you can see them
or send them a nice care package in the mail
Lucas said. It can make a huge difference.
Michael LeCastre, a junior, said that he and his girlfriend both go to OU but when they go home for break, they are two hours apart.
This can make winter and summer breaks a difficult time in the relationship, he said.
The couple stays in contact through occasional visits and frequent communication, LeCastre said.
It's still not the same as being here
he said. I'm not a talker
and I don't want to sit on the phone all day.
Erika Lindenauer, a freshman, did not succeed in maintaining her relationship. She and her boyfriend of two years broke up this month after he became possessive and stifling.
There was definitely a difference of values
Lindenauer said. He works full-time instead of going to school
