My heart is in Tuscaloosa, but I am in Montevallo.

I recently started dating someone a few months ago who lives an hour away from me. This would be easier if I was not in school or working as much as I am. This means that I get to spend time with him one weekday, and typically one weekend day. Lucky I get weekends off, so I'm more available to see him while managing time for homework. Here are some great benefits and things to keep a positive mind as someone who may struggle dating long-distance:

1. You value time more.

Trust me, I'm right there with you when it comes to wanting to spend every waking moment with someone you really like and love to be around. I wish I could spend everyday with my boyfriend/bestfriend. Unfortunately there's about 55 miles separating us. Which means, the time we do have together is very cherished between us. Plus, if you're with the right person, they will do whatever they can to see you, even if it means they're driving an hour to you two days in a row. A few weekends ago I was sick with the flu and it was my turn to drive to him, but without hesitation he quickly got in his car and drove to me both days and took care of me. Cherishing your time together does not mean you to do something and be active every visit, just laying around watching Netflix can be valued time together.

2. Building a wall of blind trust.

Just as Mr. President loves walls, so does trust. This may seem difficult, to trust someone so blindly due to distance, but it can be a good thing. Relationships, especially romantic ones, teach us so many lessons; good and bad. Along with not getting to see him everyday, I don't always get to talk to him all day. We both work, and I currently attend school at UM. If he were to cheat, he has many opportunities, while I'm in class or at work, he could easily hook up with any girl residing in t-town; however, just like my heart is in Tuscaloosa, his heart is in Montevallo. His trustworthy aspect shows greatly in his personality and his actions. He calls as often as he can, and as a plus, when he works out he does it in the comfort of his bestfriend's home gym. Now to the part that every girl loves: his friends and his history. I've met the majority of them, and hang out with them as often as I can. His track record is as clean as his criminal record.

3. "Me" time.

As much as I'd love to be with him every second of everyday, having time for myself is so important. Whether I'm reading a book, or catching up on my guilty pleasure Netflix series, I love to have alone time and recollect my thoughts and take care of my mental and emotional health. Despite being an hour drive away, if it's really important, I know he's only one call away.

And lastly,

4. My friend group.

My friends are some of the most important people in my life. I don't always have to be with my boyfriend to spend time with my friends, I have learned to separate the two to keep from causing any resentment or conflict. I do spend more time with my friends because they're so close, but usually we can all get along together, and they have grown to like the other most important part of my life. Which makes for a very happy girl.