Long distance relationships always seem to have the reputation of being hard, miserable, and lonely. It seems like everyone looks at the negative side of long distance relationships and not the positives. Yes, they're hard at times, and sometimes it doesn't work out for some couples; but that doesn't mean it doesn't work for all couples. For some couples it actually strengthens the relationship and brings people closer together despite being far apart. There are so many wonderful pros of being in a long distance relationship that not everyone realizes.

1. There's always something new to talk about. When you see each other every single day, sometimes there's nothing really exciting or new to talk about because you've both experienced the day together. When you're far apart, you can exchange fun stories on the adventures you've been on throughout the week, your plans for the weekend, and just talk about how your day went. It's also nice to have an unbiased opinion to talk to when you just need to vent.

2. You have a pen pal. It's always a fun surprise to find out that you have a letter or package waiting in the mail room. It's even more fun when it's coming from a different state or country. When you're always together, there's really no need to send each other anything. When you're thousands of miles away from each other, getting a post card in the mail is always fun and never fails to brighten your day. No one ever sends mail anymore, so it makes you feel special and excited when you actually get something. It's just a nice reminder that the other person is thinking of you and loves you enough to send something.

3. You learn more about the other persons wants and needs. Being apart from someone you care about for a long period of time can take an emotional toll on you. When you're physically with each other, you can always pick up on physical cues to see if the person seems sad or happy with the relationship. When you're far away from each other, and the only form of communication is over text or phone calls, you have no choice but to talk about what's bothering you or what's making you happy. It actually makes the relationship more honest and open when you get to talk about what you need, want, don't want, or how your feeling. It also makes both parties happy when you make discoveries about each other all through talking it out and problem solving together.

4. You learn a lot about yourself. Sometimes being apart from an important person in your life can give you the opportunity to reflect on who you are and what you like and don't like to do. For example, maybe you always wanted to try a yoga class but couldn't because Friday nights were your date nights, but now you can! What's even more exciting is that if you like the experience, you can share it with your significant other when they come back. Going to new places and experiencing new things on your own helps you learn a lot about yourself and what you like to do. It also helps you to be more honest with yourself which is important in any relationship.

5. You always have seeing each other as something to look forward to. It's super rewarding seeing the person you care about come out of the airport terminal after 109 days of not seeing them. Distance is hard, but it's an amazing feeling knowing that you can be away from each other for several months and still love each other just as much as you did when you last saw them. If you can both accomplish a long distance relationship, then together you can accomplish anything.