Reader's Dilemma: How Do I Deal With a Long Distance Relationship?

Oh my Skype! We just received an email from a reader who is feeling a bit worried about her relationship becoming long distance. I think we can help her out, don't you?

Here's her dilemma:

My boyfriend is going away this summer for graduate school. While I am very proud of him for living up to his full potential and working hard toward a master's degree, I am having a difficult time coming to terms with the situation. Like many girls I feel I am over analyzing the situation, but I am not sure if my fears are rational or irrational. For instance, I am afraid when he leaves he won't miss me or worse will decide he does not want to be with me. I love him very much, but what should I do to ensure our relationship survives this obstacle?

And now for my two cents.

Thanks for reaching out, dear. And congratulations to your beau for getting accepted into a graduate program!

No matter how you shake it, long distance relationships are a challenge. The dynamics of your relationship are changing: you won't be able to hang out since he's moving away and the time you do spend together (either chatting online or on the phone) is going to be limited due to his school schedule. It's natural to feel apprehensive and unsure about the prospect of him moving away but if he hasn't given you any reason to question his feelings for you before, I wouldn't start now. That being said, the best thing you can do to settle these reservations is to have a serious conversation with your boyfriend before he leaves. The two of you can talk about your concerns and fears and perhaps even come up with a few ways to deal with those issues.