Being in a new relationship is hard, but add being in a long distance relationship and then it’s even harder. From the beginning my boyfriend and I started as a long distance couple, so we had to decide right then and there if this was something that we truly wanted to commit to because we both knew off the bat that it wouldn’t be easy.
So here are three things that are guaranteed to happen to you when you’re in a long distance relationship:
It’s the ultimate test you can put to a relationship and to yourself.
Being in a long distance relationship will be a true test of your love for each other. You go through the struggles of being apart pretty much all the time, and it definitely has its moments where it can take a toll on the relationship if you let it.
Mentally, it’s really hard at first, especially after you just saw each other and now you have to leave again. Prepare for some tough days and long nights, but just keep yourself busy. Focus on your schoolwork, job, or friends and family to help you get through it. After time passes it gets easier, and you make it work. You get back to your routine of daily FaceTime dates, phone calls, and counting down the days until the next time you get to see each other again.
Even though it’s difficult to be apart from your loved one, it gives you time to think about your own dreams in life. Take that chance to put all your energy into really going after your goals and aspirations.
Weekend countdowns become a ritual.
Weekends now feel like Christmas morning with a mixture of celebrating your birthday at the same time. You’re so excited and happy to finally see each other that as long as you are with them you don’t care if you’re having a Netflix marathon or out and about. Just the thought of being in the same city makes you happy enough.
Even though it’s only a couple of days you get to be with each other, you don’t take the time you spend together for granted. Overall, it truly makes your relationship stronger because you end up appreciating each other way more in the long run.
The little things become the big things.
Doing something sweet and romantic unexpectedly can really let them know how much they mean to you. Whether it’s a surprise visit, phone calls, or an out of the blue care package, something so small can really make your whole day. Those are the moments that are forever sealed into your memory because you don’t want to forget one single detail. You become extremely thankful for the times you do get to spend together and don’t take anything for granted.
My boyfriend and I did the long distance thing for over a year, and it was definitely one of the hardest things I think I’ve ever had to do, but I wouldn’t change us having to go through it for a second. To this day, I know it made both of us realize how if we could be in a long distance relationship then we can conquer just about anything together. Which is the same test that all long distance relationships experience.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the same city or not. When two people are truly meant to be together, distance can’t ever tear them apart.
