Long distance has been a huge part of my life. I dated this guy for over two years long distance. We still spend summers apart, but after the next 99 days, we will spend our lifetime together, and I couldn't be happier. Getting here hasn't been so easy. This is what I have learned throughout those two years and two summers of being long distance:
1. Skype or FaceTime makes dates possible!
There have been so many times we would plan to have a Skype date with a grilled cheese and a coke and pretended we were together. We would talk just like a normal date. We would laugh and giggle. It could never substitute for a real date, but this gave us the chance to grow closer as friends.
2. The time you spend with your significant other is quality time.
When you have no idea when the next time you will see your significant other will be, you spend each moment in appreciation together. It is sacred time that is not a common commodity. There is no arguing when we could be holding hands or flirting--save that for a Skype date.
3. You have to trust the other person.
Trust is the key in any relationship, but in long distance it can be a deal breaker. With long distance, you are not able to see the daily life of the other person. You cannot monitor in any way what they do.
4. You have to be flexible with scheduling.
Flexibility cannot be stressed enough. "Meeting ran over, I'll be twenty minutes late to our Skype date." "My friends just invited me out. We will talk tomorrow." These are the little ones, the worst ones come when you expect a visit, but get less. "I know we planned on me coming to visit, but this came up." Flexibility is required.
5. Every time you do get a real date, it is amazing.
I loved going on dates. It always was the works. For me, that meant flowers at the door, a handsomely dressed man, some form of entertainment, and let's not forget the food. Then we would always go home and snuggle. Those were the perfect dates. The dates where every single date was a sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of date.
6. Every time you separate, a small depression hits.
Every single time, it never fails. When we leave each other, I become a depressed mess. I can't help but to mope around for a few days until I can get back into the rhythm of everyday life.
7. Holidays are the best time of the year.
Holidays mean you have work days saved to come for a visit. You can spend more quality time together.
8. Snail mail is not old fashioned, it is romantic.
Opening your mail box to something other than junk mail and bills, is the best feeling in the entire world. It makes you day turn from gloomy to bright just to know your significant other finds ways to reach you even when you are not together.
9. Your relationship is more than physical.
It is not all about the physical side. So much emotion goes into to a long distance relationship. You not only have a physical relationship with the other person, you become best friends.
10. It takes lots of work.
Long distance relationships are not easy. They are hard. They take a huge time commitment.They can make you the happiest person on the planet while also being the most depressed person alive. Long distance relationships are terrible but if they work out, they can lead to a lifetime of love.
