Including my current one, the best romantic relationships I've ever had were long distance. My mother has dealt with keeping in touch with our extended family in the far southern parts of Minnesota and while my uncle was serving in the Army and stationed at various places in the world. My girlfriend and I have been together for two years and will go through another summer away from each other for the third time. I don't miss her too badly with all of the texting, Facetime calls and visits on an occasion when I'm willing to make the two-hour drive. Seeing most of my family takes a one-hour drive, but they've always felt closer to me.
This playlist inspires me to keep on this relationship despite the distance:
1. "Hey There Delilah" - Plain White T's
If there could one reason for this song overplaying on the radio, it could be a constant reminder to keep in touch and close to your significant other.
2. "I'm Gonna Be" - The Proclaimers
It all adds to a thousand miles to "run to be there for them."
3. "A Thousand Miles" - Vanessa Carlton
The sweetest song responds to the male perspective of The Proclaimers.
4. "Time After Time" - Cyndi Lauper
If my girlfriend and I ever sing a duet together, this would be the song of choice.
5. "Tuesday's Gone" - Lynyrd Skynyrd
We had one semester of every Tuesday being the busiest for both of us.
6. "Letter to My Daughters" - Uncle Kracker
Uncle Kracker has one of the kindest hearts in country rock in which this song expresses this to his children.
7. "Somewhere Out There" - Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram
If you remember the movie, "American Tail," this lullaby may relax anyone missing long-distance families.
8. "Ain't No Sunshine" - Bill Withers
You could get a little jazzy blues for your loved one from this song playing every classic rock station out there.
9. "Bless the Broken Road" - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Although Rascal Flatts made its most popular version, it was Nitty Gritty Dirt Band bringing up some heartful lyrics of a true love reunion.
10. "Let Her Cry" - Hootie & the Blowfish
Back when I was going to summer camp in 2006, this love ballad played during my first slow dance with a girl.
11. "Moon River" - Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer
If you've ever seen "Breakfast at Tiffany's," Audrey Hepburn gives a soft and "easy-on-the-ears" voice in my favorite scene of the movie.
12. "Highway 20 Ride" - The Zac Brown Band
I'm always reminded to pass through long highways and reflections to prepare myself the best times with my loved ones.
13. "I'm Already There" - Lonestar
Thanks to social media and texting, we are all there for each other until any sort of reunion will keep us in check at its best.
