"I Don't Think We Can Make This Work" 5 Tips for Navigating THE Long Distance Convo

Long distance is hard. Lets face it.

It's not just the kilometres in between, its everything. Going on exchange with a significant other at home can be difficult! The distance is one thing, but it's everything else that can really tear things apart. As you begin to encounter new challenges and embrace new experiences, sometimes it's difficult to connect with one another. Here are 5 tips and tricks to help you manage ending a relationship while overseas...

1. Stop and think about it.

Did you think about how to make it work?

If you haven't already thought about ways to manage your time apart, you already have one foot out of this relationship and its time to move on. If you have to ask your friends if you should, you've already decided what you want. Don't second guess yourself. Giving up is the beginning of the end, but your actions (or lack of action) speaks louder than words - trust me.

That said, stop and think about how and why you are going to end it. The other person likely still means a lot to you, but breakups are hard and 30x harder when you can't do it in person. If it's on the horizon, plan ahead.

2. Don't push it back.

THEY WILL KNOW.

Trust. If you are ready and just can't find the words they will eventually pick up and the calm conversation you planned will quickly turn into a sobbing (and potentially screaming) match. Avoid the mess and just be honest.

Write down your thoughts and have a solid conversation with yourself about what you want to say. We are all human, and sometimes emotions get the best of us. However, if you can provide some solid reasoning, it adds a lot more closure to the situation.

When you are ready, do it. Don't hold onto the relationship because of other happenings in your lives.

3. Try and keep it as in person as possible.

Video calls are definitely best, but if you can't call face to face use the phone. Let them hear your voice, you owe them at least that near the end or after a relationship. If your worried the emotions will stop you, a phone call can actually often can be best, but offer to have a closure call later face to face.

When my long distance boyfriend and I broke up, we decided a video call wasn't enough for true closure and we met for coffee again when we got home a few months later.

4. Set Boundaries.

I will not say you can't be friends, that decision is entirely your own. But, do understand its difficult to continue that friendship right away. Take a break from each other.

Seriously.

Try your best not to come to them for emotional support, and to remind them while you still care about them it would be best for you both to find others who can comfort you.

If you both have tons of mutual friends don't expect them to pick sides. But, don't necessarily rush to have coffee with some of their friends you may now be close to also. Respect their space.

5. Don't Rush Into Anything New.

Have fun on exchange. Say yes to new opportunities, outings or even to a date! But, don't rush to find your true love while you are away. You don't want to have this conversation with a new person again when you get home. Just do you!

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Read the tips and still not sure your cut out to be the "dumper"? Check out this post by The Recipe and The Zillenial on How to Lose Someone in 10 Days (or less)!