Below are 13 reasons why long distance relationships CAN last:

Being in a long distance relationship, 3,940 miles to be exact, is quite possibly one of the hardest things I've put myself through, BUT I've never loved another person more than I do my mans. Long Distance relationships are honestly what you and your partner make of them. You could have a horrible experience or it could work out for the better. You really have to work on it, work through problems, communicate thoroughly and just keep showing them how much you love and appreciate them everyday. In my case, I decided on a military man so long distance is a must. Especially since I’m finishing college and getting a big girl job before I do anything. If you can survive the distance, you can get through anything. Being away from them will never compare to being with them but what you make of the relationship while you’re away is how you stay connected, strong and bonded until you’re together again.

1. The future of “us” is way more exciting!

When you're away from the one person you want to be with, think about how happy you'll both be when you see them again. Rather than worrying about commitment or being "perfect" together, all you're imagining is your future with that person and how fast you can get that started.

2. Time truly becomes a gift.

Finally seeing his face again at the airport, every time: I cherish those moments. The twenty minutes it takes me to get out of car to catch my departing flight is usually when I cry the most. Taking full advantage of the short moments really makes me love him more.

3. “Communication is key” –Ly’Shanette Major

Connecting with my mans was the easiest part but staying connected through the miles takes work. FaceTime, phone calls, letters, snapchats, tagging him in funny gif’s and memes all day keeps us electronically connected. Hearing his voice when I call and seeing his face on my iPad are my favorite parts of my day.

4. You become an expert in crafting the perfect text.

You have the power to make them laugh, smirk, and even cry with your perfect text. When rough days at work strike, you know exactly how to cheer them up: a funny gif… or a booty pic. Your choice I guess. (;

5. You really learn your individuality.

You really have no choice but to learn how to be your own individuals. You live two separate lives… together: interdependency. Some people in relationships have to make a conscious effort to be their own person, and it can be difficult. But when you live in two completely different places, it’s easy to have your own routine, your own group of friends, your own hobbies, and your own little way of enjoying your alone time. (in reality you're mostly alone because you only have like three friends...)

6. The little moments = the big moments

Learning to appreciate the little things just as much as the big things helps us grow together every day because we’re always improving how we are towards one another. We always work for each other like we’re trying to get each other. Whether it’s waking up to them for three days straight during a weekend visit, or finally getting a letter from him, you cherish the small, everyday aspects of a relationship just as much as much as the big things.

7. You understand what it’s like to live a day-to-day life without the other person, and you know for a fact that’s the last thing you want.

You start to realize your days aren’t the same without him, even through the phone. Being the best you can be to them is what’s most important because you already know what life is like without each other, and it’s not something you ever want to face or something you ever want to lose.

8. You take nothing for granted.

The smallest things I hold closest to my heart. I can’t even hold him for twenty seconds without crying my eyes out and feeling pure joy and gratitude.

9. For these things to work, you both have to equally committed.

If you’re not in it for the long run, get out now. Trust is a huge factor in long distance, finding someone you trust almost immediately is a God send. Honesty, communication and trust are my top three favorite things about my personal relationship only because I know they’re unbreakable between us.

10. You get SUPER good at planning.

I have always been a planner but it brings me so much happiness when I pick my next flights to see him and planning my weekends and class schedules around it. Gives us both something to look forward to. We always say “soon” which makes my heart cheesy smile.

11. You learn how deep the value of loyalty can go.

Being loyal to one another is an mportant value in any relationship, but in this case it means more than being faithful and good to one another. It also means keeping up with the small, daily things we do: never forgetting to call, always making an effort to surprise each other, and doing everything we can to make the separation easier until we're finally in each others arms again.

12. You have an amazing story

“Why” is the most frequent question I get and my response is always, “I’d love him the same if he were here so it really doesn’t matter how far he is now.” One day we’ll have a story about how we overcame all the difficulties and challenges, and persevered through it all, proving the strength and love between us.

13. If you can last through the distance, you can last through anything.

Through all of this, there is one person who will stay by your side forever more: him. No matter how tough things have been for you, he’s always there for you. It takes a special kind of couple to make a long distance relationship work, and me and mine are a prime example. No matter what we go through, or however long it takes, individually or together, I know he’ll be there for me just as I am here for him, supporting and encouraging each other every step of the way.