It’s hard when you don’t have your significant other around 24/7, but there are some positive aspects to it that aren’t always obvious. Here are 10 things that make being in a long distance relationship rewarding.

1. It makes time spent with each other so much more special.

You know the exact number of days until you see your significant other again. After being separated for several weeks or even months, time spent together is cherished. You treasure your time together, and look forward to seeing each other again.

2. You have a reason to use FaceTime.

Being apart doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t see each other. FaceTime calls are a fun and easy way to communicate, and are a hundred times better than ordinary phone conversations.

3. You get the chance to visit each other’s schools.

Two schools means twice the fun and adventures. Having your significant other at a different university means you always have a place to go on the weekends, and you aren’t stuck at your university.

4. You learn how to be an excellent communicator.

Text messages are sacred, and you value calls and messages more than you ordinarily would. Since these are your only modes of communication, you get to be really good at them.

5. You learn how to be independent while being in a relationship.

Having that special someone so far away actually makes you more independent. You learn to not constantly rely on someone, and you have more time to pursue your individual interests.

6. You don’t have to feel guilty about going out with your friends.

Sometimes, having to choose whether to take a night with your girls or go to dinner with your boyfriend is tough. You want to make time for everyone; but you can’t be two places at once. This way, you have to make plans ahead of time with your significant other, which lets you know when you can schedule time for your friends.

7. You two feel like you can handle anything.

Being apart from each other is one of the hardest things that can happen in a relationship, but getting through it is so rewarding. After enduring a long-distance relationship, you feel that your relationship is golden.

8. You find out how much you two really love each other.

Being apart so much takes a toll on you. Whether it’s for weeks or for months, it can get painful. You must really love one another to fight through it, which strengthens the relationship even more.

9. You don’t take each other for granted.

You don’t have much time to waste, so the times and memories you share together are filled with fun things you both enjoy.

10. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

That’s what they say, anyways. After being apart for so long, all you want to do is be with that person. And when you finally get to be together, you realize the distance has nothing on the strngth of your relationship.