One thing that has significantly benefited my boyfriend and me within our relationship is how the honeymoon phase has yet to fade, despite having known each other for over a year. Not only that, but we've found an even balance between that newness and excitement and the everyday weirdness and normalcy of being a couple.

One thing that has enabled this to be the case is the fact that we see each other roughly once a month (if we're lucky; school is starting back up for me so we'll see how that changes). By not seeing each other all the time, there is such a high level of excitement and love each time we do see each other. This allows us to really value our time together, whether we're in bed watching Prince of Egypt, going to the pool, or going to explore something new; it doesn't take hardly anything to make our visits worthwhile because literally all we want to do is spend time together.

Another thing we value is our communication (stick with me here). Communication is essential in any relationship, but even more so when it comes to long distance. We incorporate this by always talking on the phone prior to him going to work, which also helps ease my ever anxious mind. We also talk on the phone before bed every night he isn't on the night shift. We send each other songs and pictures and ideas that remind us of each other or our future together. Lately, we've also decided to start writing letters weekly - letters hold a place near and dear to my heart and its something we can look back on as a couple.

Finally, we are ridiculously comfortable with each other, which plays a huge role in our relationship. Honest and truly, we talk about any and everything and we're perfectly weird together. We sing songs from our favorite Disney movies and musicals in the car wherever we go. We legitimately bond over our favorite foods and happily indulge together. We push each other to be better even without explicitly saying anything.

I'm truly dating someone who makes me a much better me and I'm so grateful, especially since our relationship came along when I least expected it and wasn't looking for anything in particular. My advice, embrace the qualities your significant other brings to the table and take the time to value your time together as a couple. No relationship is perfect and neither is mine, but I wouldn't change it a bit.