Long distance relationships are tough. Long distance relationships take a lot of work. From personal experience, I have been dating the same guy for five years now. We have been high school sweethearts and have been dating since our sophomore year of high school. Coming to college and being 92 miles apart is not easy by any means. It's one of the hardest experiences I have ever been through.

Many people see long distance relationships as a negative thing. Some don't think they can stay faithful in a relationship. Some grow up and realize that their values and needs have changed. Others just don't think they can deal with time apart. Others allow jealousy and other people to come into the picture.

For me, I have never wanted to be with any other person than the man I am still with today. Thinking back over the ups and downs of my relationship, I wish I had someone who would have given me advice or told me the reality of long distance relationships. I wish someone told me what to expect going into it.

It's probably one of the most emotionally exhausting things I have experienced, but I would not trade it for anything. From talking to other long distance couples, they both agree that they wish they had known of the hardships involved in the unique relationship.

Here are just some:

1. It will without a doubt be an emotional roller coaster ride.

2. There will be a lot of difficult choices to make. Some may even seem unbearable.

3. Time will be the main obstacle you will face in the relationship.

4. Trust is #1 in the relationship. Nothing can work if no trust is built.

5. You will become more creative in finding ways to keep yourself occupied.

6. There will be things (people, conversations, music, shows, words) that will remind you of each other and cause breakdowns.

7. You will cry A LOT.

8. You will become accustomed to the long distance, but it will NOT get easier.

9. You learn to live in a world where you can imagine, but those thoughts or images are not always a reality.

10. People won't be as supportive as you may have thought going into the relationship.

11. Jealousy will cause conflict, but shouldn't define the relationship.

12. You have to learn to cope with a lot of things on your own.

13. You learn things about yourself you never knew, and in turn, become stronger.

14. FaceTime and Skype dates will help, but not fulfill your needs.

15. You will learn to actually communicate by talking over the phone for hours, rather than in person.

16. Finding the time to visit one another within both of your busy schedules will be exhausting and very difficult.

17. Communication is key. Hiding your feelings will only make the relationship more complicated down the road.

18. When you both see each other again, it will make the heavy weeks worth it.

19. Eventually you will become more comfortable with the distance, allowing for more trust and respect in your partner.

20. If your relationship survives the distance and time, it can absolutely survive anything.

These are the main aspects of a long distance relationship that I wish I would have known going into it. But, I am extremely grateful to have recognized these things with someone by my side.

Five years later, and my long distance relationship has not gotten easier. In fact, it has gotten harder. Meeting new people and not knowing what my partner is doing every moment of the day is scary. Not knowing how your partner feels 24/7 is scary. Not knowing what the future holds for the relationship is scary. Everything about going into a relationship is scary.

But, I promise you there is hope for long distance relationships. Just because some don't work out, does not mean yours will not.

Distances gives us a reason to love harder.