When you love someone, you want to be by their side all the time. Life is so much better when they’re around…but that’s not always possible.
Long distance relationships are not always easy. It’s hard being apart from someone you love for extended periods of time, but despite the hard days, it provides a completely unique experience. There is so much growth and maturity that comes from this kind of relationship. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are people who can make it work, and like I said it’s an experience like none other. Here’s why:
You learn what it is like to completely trust someone else. Trust is a foundational aspect to any relationship. My long distance relationship has taught me many things about trusting people. I have learned that trust comes much easier when you really know the person you’re trusting. There should be no fear in telling your significant other the truth about where you are or who you’re with, and you should not be paranoid about where they are either. There is no room for that in a long distance relationship. You trust each other’s judgment and each other’s “I love you’s.” Trust is built, and it gets stronger over time.
You must be independent for it to work. Because you don’t go to the same school or live in the same city, you aren’t able to be around them 24/7, and you have to be okay with that. Some couples are dependent on the constant presence of each other, and that’s fine if you can do that. Long distance relationships can only work if each of you is independent enough for it to work. You have to be able to make decisions for yourself and be okay with going out on Friday night without him or her. You must be strong enough to hold your own until you get to see each other again.
You know how to make the most of the days you do spend together. There is nothing in the world that compares to the feeling of seeing your significant other after an extended period of time. Since you know that you only have a day or two to make up for lost time, you make those days count. Maybe you go on a beach adventure – complete with kayaking or snorkeling, building rock art, eating burgers, and watching the sun set. Or maybe you spend the night in – you make dinner, put on a movie, eat ice cream, and just enjoy each other’s company. Whatever you do, you take in every single second you spend with each other, because you don’t know when you’ll see each other next and each moment is precious.
Your constant communication makes your relationship stronger. It’s rare that a day goes by without any form of communication between you two. You talk about everything – from the exam you have coming up, to a hilariously embarrassing moment that happened that day, to your aspirations for the future. You laugh with each other, empathize with each other, and celebrate with each other. Being so far away makes communication that much more important. It is a pivotal aspect of any relationship, but so much more than that in a long distance one. Calling, texting, Skype, etc. are the only ways you get to talk to each other throughout the day, and that’s what keeps the two of you going.
Your love will never be typical. A long distance relationship creates a special bond between you and your significant other. The sacrifices he or she makes are their decision, and you know how to appreciate those - they show how important you and the relationship you two have are. You know how to appreciate their presence, especially after a month of phone calls and Skype dates. You have countless stories to tell about the wonderful days you have spent with each other, and the hardships you two have overcome. You grow close to each other while being hundreds of miles apart. There’s a special story to your love and a silent respect for being able to have a strong relationship despite the distance.
