Dear Boyfriend,

I want to start by acknowledging that dating alone is something that takes a great deal of effort and cannot survive without equal participation. Long distance relationships are a whole new ball game; they are this large, looming, mythical concept that sometimes feels unmanageable and terrifying, especially because it is new to us both. It is scary, it is time consuming, and most of all it is not easy, but we both know that this is well worth the late nights, hours spent on FaceTime, and rearranging of schedules just to talk to each other for mere minutes in our busy schedules.

Thank you, for never failing to show me that you care about me no matter how far away I am. Whether it be flowers on my birthday, a weekend visit, or even a simple text message to let me know that you're thinking about me, it all matters. I've learned that when you ask me where I'm going, who I'm with and to please be safe, it is your way of showing me that you're concerned about my well-being. You go above and beyond to make sure that I don't forget that you will always be there for me.

Thank you, for being persistent. I am stubborn and sometimes missing you turns into me having a misdirected attitude, but you insist that I relax and try to remember that everything is going to be OK. You are persistent about me getting my schoolwork done, even if that means not talking to you for hours or listening to me rant hysterically about the homework and projects I'm drowning in. You give me solace, a peace of mind, and assure me that I can conquer any opportunity or challenge I take on. Even from 300 miles away, you are the rock that I cling to in any storm, and that type of strength is irreplaceable.

Thank you, most importantly, for being my best friend. There is nothing that I cherish more than a good laugh, and that's something you never fail to give me. You are funny, you know exactly what to say when I need cheering up and, most importantly, you love me even when I can't love myself. I never would have thought that what we have could blossom into something so easy and so beautiful.

I value your ability to use your words to make me smile, laugh and stay positive when times get tough, and I can only hope I do for you all the incredible things you do for me, especially from afar.

I am young and I don't know much, but I do know that if the person you're with is willing to put in just as much effort as you are, there is nothing that can stop you from being together. Yes, we spend much of our time glued to our phones and wishing for the next time we'll be together, but every day spent apart is another day closer to being reunited. I can't wait until then.

Love,

Your Girlfriend