By:  Kerri Musick

Being away from home is a worthwhile experience; it lets you flourish as an individual and gain that independence Kelly Clarkson and Destiny’s Child sing about. However, in the rear-view mirror, it’s not just mom and dad waving goodbye, it’s your significant other too.

Long distance relationships (LDRs) can be tough. My fella happens to be in Suburbia while I’m chasing my dreams, and honestly I’m smitten as a kitten. Check out these tips on helping your LDR grow stronger:

Technology: It’s a wonderful thing, so take advantage of it. You have a cell phone for texting/calling, a computer to Skype on and a Facebook account to chat on. Don’t overdo it though. You don’t want to be that person who takes permanent residence in their computer chair.

Souvenir: Cuddling up in a hoodie with their scent or squeezing a stuffed animal until its eyes pop out can be a nice consolation.

Visiting Policies: It’s true, EMU allows people of the opposite sex to stay the evening and visit you. It may be a hefty distance, but making that trip once a semester can make all the difference. Just make sure your roommate is OK with it!

The significance:  I’m no Dr. Phil, but if things are rocky, you need to reevaluate how “significant” the other is. If support, friendship and commitment are lacking, it probably wasn’t meant to be in the first place. Better late than never, right?