They say distance makes the heart grow stronger, but does distance really make the heart grow stronger? Or do people just say it to make it easier on people who have worries about long distance relationships, thinking it will make it easier on them? I have been all over the place since I have been in college. I started out my freshman year of college in Hartsville, South Carolina, then after three semesters I transferred to Kent State University, and now I am located in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Throughout my college career, I have heard many people use the excuse as to why they cannot have any type of relationship or even take opportunities as in internships and careers because of distance. Yes, that’s right, I said excuse. With me jumping around to three different locations in different states, you can only imagine I have dealt with distance from family and friends. The choices I have made, I feel have bettered me as a person and for my future goals.

The main excuse you hear people say is if they leave their friends or boyfriends and go over an hour or more away they will lose them. Everyone in my life is proof you are able to have a strong friendship with distance. In high school, I talked to just about everyone but only had a small group of close friends I would hang out with outside of school. Everyone told me once I went to college 600 miles away I would lose these friends I’ve had my whole life but it would be okay because I would make new friends. So I go to college and I do make new friends, some of my best friends who will probably be in my wedding, but I also stayed good friends with my best friends from high school. One of my friends from high school I was unable to see for 3.5 years due to distance and we are closer now than we have ever been before. Whenever I see these friends it is like nothing has changed, constant laughter and many great times.

Having long distance friendships isn’t easy, it takes effort but in the end, it is worth it. It takes open communication, and a 50/50 relationship. But, when you hang out o even see each other after months or years, it is like nothing has changed. Yes, I have lost some friends along the way due to the distance but at the end of the day, I have realized they were not my true friends. I am so grateful for my long distance relationships and true friends I have in my life, who helped me believe distance is truly only a number.

Take it from someone with experience when someone says distance is only a number they are right. Distance does make the heart grow stronger, so go take whatever experience you feel will make you a better person and better you for your future goals, then when you finish accomplishing what you want you’ll have your true friends there waiting for you.