by Corey Hord

You might find yourself knee-deep in a relationship that is severed by conflicting schedules, communication challenges and maybe even time zone differences during college.

“Missing You: How to Make Long Distance Relationships Work” is a special lecture featuring Dr. Laura Stafford, professor of communications at UK.

Cat’s Den concert coordinator Cece Simandl, whose boyfriend is considering taking an internship in Nashville beginning this summer and lasting at least six months is one student facing a long-distance relationship.

“Dr. Stafford’s lecture could provide me with some very valuable and helpful information,” Simandl said.

“We have seen each other practically every day since we began dating. It’s weird when I go one day without seeing him, and trying to imagine half a year, potentially more, is difficult.”

Stafford stressed that it is not about prolonging a relationship; it’s about asking yourself the right questions.

“People are often focused on maintaining their relationship and sometimes forget to figure out if that person is right for them,”Stafford said.

College students involved in long-distance relationships are becoming more common due to professional commitments, education and military deployment, Stafford said.

She said distance can be challenging, whether your relationship partner has moved to the opposite side of the globe or if all the factors of two conflicting lifestyles keep you separated, despite living on the same campus.

“The first thing we have to remember, whether it’s long distance or proximal, is the fundamentals,,” Stafford said.

Stafford pointed out the significance of sharing the same fundamental values and beliefs, assuming that you’re looking for a life partner.

“We date for fun, we date for recreation and that’s OK,” Stafford said. “If you are to the point in your life where you’re looking for a life partner, you want to get to really know who the other person is.”

Stafford hopes anyone who is searching for a lifelong partner and those willing to ask themselves prudent questions will attend her lecture.

Hannah Sloan, the event coordinator for the Cat’s Den encouraged students to bring their relational questions like “How do we transition this relationship from where we are now to the future?” to Stafford, no matter where they stand.

Sloan stressed that all students were welcome “whether they’re in a long distance relationship or not.”

She said students can also take advantage of the free popcorn in the Cat’s Den, where the lecture is located.

The lecture will take place Monday at 7 p.m. in the Cat’s Den.