I have a cute boyfriend in medicine, what are some tips I can use to maintain the relationship into residency?

Dear QMR, 
I have a cute boyfriend in medicine, what are some tips I can use to maintain the relationship into residency?
Sincerely,
Crazy in Love

Dear In Love, 
Medicine is hard, but relationships can be harder. A while ago, my boyfriend transitioned from medical school into residency while we were dating (long distance with a six-hour time difference!). I wish I had a schema, or mnemonic, or magic shortcut that could guarantee your relational success, but at the core of all successful relationships are hard work and sacrifice — I don’t think there’s any way around that. They say relationships should be 50/50, but I think 100/100 is better. After all, we all go through different life “seasons” where we need different forms of support and care. My advice is: 

1. Sacrifice for each other regularly (nothing worth having comes easy!) Cliché, but true. 
2. Be gracious and forgiving (even when you’re tired or frustrated).
3. Commit to reminding yourself that their dreams are no less important than yours, and make yourself available to be their shoulder to lean on.
4. Aim to cultivate a shared dream of a future where your relationship has survived the dark tunnel of residency (or so I’ve heard) - what would your life together look like? Learn to yearn for it, and in hard moments, it will remind you that the present difficulties pale in comparison to future joys. When that day comes, it will all have been worth it. 
5. Attempt to outdo one another in being flexible and generous in showering each other love and care. After all, what better place to channel your inner type-A competitiveness? 

I know it’s hard. I know it’s trying. But when it’s all said and done, there’s nothing more precious than looking to that special person beside you, knowing that all the mutual sacrifice, late night FaceTime calls, and weekend-getaways have finally gifted you with something worth having.