To all those in a long distance relationship, keep your head up. This time in your life may seem unbearable, and it is extremely difficult; however, there is always a silver lining. Here are five perks to being in a LDR.

1. The heart grows fonder.

This is cheesy, but it’s true! Spending time away from your loved one, whether it be two weeks or two months, is difficult, but being away from one another reminds you of why you love him or her and how much of an asset he or she truly is in your life. Those little things he or she does that you thought were annoying, quickly became desired and seen as one of their most redeeming qualities.

2. Skype Dates

Being able to spend some time together, despite the distance, is one of the best things to occur in a LDR. Nothing compares to seeing your loved one’s face, to hearing their laugh and to seeing their smile after a long week. Every possibility that you get to have face-to-face time with them is valuable, and you must not take it for granted. However, do take advantage of today’s technology, for it makes being connected so easy and makes you feel a little bit closer.

3. Spend time alone.

This doesn’t necessarily sound like a good thing from the get go, but trust me, it is. Growing into your own individual and learning about yourself is crucial during young adulthood, so it is important to know who you are without your significant other. You can focus on your own goals while knowing your significant other is still there to support you. If two people can grow to be their own individuals and still be together, you know it’s the real deal.

4. Knowing your relationship can stand the test of time.

If your relationship can outlast days, weeks or months apart, you are sure to conquer anything together. With any LDR, there comes many difficulties, such as loss of communication, lack of affection, different friends and busy schedules. All of these may seem like huge gaps within your relationship, but each difficulty you two overcome together will make you stronger and closer in the end.

5. The Reunion

Everybody who is enduring a LDR knows there is nothing better than the reunion. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, vacation, brief visit or coming home for good, being back in the presence of your boyfriend or girlfriend is the best feeling in the world. All those tough times and tears are forgotten, and you can once again enjoy being in one another’s presence. Reunions are what make the time apart worth the wait.

Long distance relationships are most certainly not an ideal situation and may not be for every couple, but it is certainly worth a shot. Evaluate your relationship, talk things over but ultimately follow your heart. Don’t listen to those who say, “You’re too young,” or, “There are plenty of fish in the sea," because two people know when they are supposed to be together. Distance should not pry them apart.