Whether it's a transfer to a new school, an opportunity for a new job or any number of other circumstances which could be deemed the cause, anyone in a relationship can attest to the fact that there's a love label that will always be cringe-worthy: long distance relationship (LDR). Everyone has either dealt with one or knows someone who has, and it's no secret that it's shaky ground for all involved. It takes trust, communication and lots of creativity, but these relationships can be managed, and even thrive, with the right mentality.
My significant other, Zac, and I have carried the "long distance" label for the past year and, following this summer, I'm happy to say we'll have officially made it through that segment of our time together. For anyone who may be currently involved in an LDR, or for those who may soon enter into one following graduation, fear not. Here's a list of good (yes--good) things about being in an LDR.
1. You'll miss each other.
I know. This sounds like a negative. But have you ever heard the saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder"? It's true. My mother always used this one to cheer me up when I was having a down day about my LDR, and I'm completely convinced that it's an accurate statement. When you're together all the time, the novelty of being together wears off. If you take time apart, it helps you to truly appreciate the time you have together.
2. You'll learn to function independently.
When you're forced to entertain yourself on weekends that should be date nights or Valentine's Days that should be spent with candy and cuddles, you teach yourself that you don't need that other person by your side 24 hours a day, seven days a week to be happy with yourself. Of course, you'll always still have the love support of your significant other to lean on, but the distance will also force you to begin to figure lots of things out on your own. Learning to love yourself helps you learn to love your significant other that much better in the future and helps you more deeply understand that you want that person to be a part of your life. So be thankful for that opportunity.
3. You'll always have an un-involved third party perspective.
You're going to meet new people. They're going to tick you off. They're going to present dilemmas and situations that require advice. Sometimes friends, teachers and family who are close to the situation may be too involved to tell you what's an overreaction or a good idea. In an LDR, your significant other will always be able to present a fresh perspective and maybe talk you down from a temper tantrum more easily than someone to whom you're able to rant on a regular basis.
4. You'll become more technologically savvy.
Not a joke. You'll be up-to-date on all of the latest video chatting/instant messaging technology. You might even kick it old school and learn how to address letters and packages. Those are valuable adult skills you may not have acquired otherwise until much later in life. Thank your LDR for that.
5. You'll get the satisfaction of beating the odds.
When you finally reach the finish line and you get to firmly plant yourselves in the same place for good, you get to think back to all of the times you ever questioned the worth of your relationship because someone said "I'll give it a month" or "those things never work." You'll get to affirm to yourself that all the time you spent waiting and money you spent visiting was worth it and that what you have can survive any trial the world may throw its way.
I will forever be thankful for every kiss, argument, annoyance, quiet moment, disagreement, late night conversation, dinner request, cuddle session, Netflix episode and anything else I can get, because it means that my man is with me. Not everyone is so lucky for that to be put into perspective for them.
