I have been dating someone for close to year and a half now. Our story is a little different, but all you need to know is that for us, being together was the ultimate goal that was achieved through patience and compromise. For the first few months of our relationship, we had to take a leap of faith on each other and almost immediately jump in and give our all. We didn't have the ability to see each other as often as we would've liked, therefore we were complicated and difficult, but most of all worth it. College loomed over us like that one girl in class who constantly reads your messages, and we both knew there was more complication to come. I had the choice of staying home or moving three hours away—I chose three hours away.

Once I had finally made my decision, people kept asking he and I both what we were going to do come the fall. This always perplexed us. I mean, we understood, but why would we give up so easily something we fought so hard to obtain in the first place? We decided three hours wasn't enough to keep us from being together, well, figuratively anyway. And so, here I am today to tell you how incredibly hard it is to be in a long-distance relationship. However, I am also here to tell you it can be done and it is one of the most rewarding, loving things we have ever done.

The first weeks are hard. You begin to realize you can't call them for lunch or random date nights. They can't come over and snuggle you, hold you whenever you've had the worst day. No forehead kisses on the way to class. No surprise breakfast or spontaneous plans. When school lets out because of weather, they can't drop everything and meet at your house to ride out the weather together with snacks and movies. You realize just how far apart you truly are and sometimes the FaceTime calls just can't do it.

I watch other couples walk to class, holding hands, making plans to spend the evenings together. I miss my best friend. I wait patiently for the end of every day when I knew he would be able to talk to me again. The kid works—he's busy like 24/7. And usually by the end of the day, we are both exhausted, sometimes barely able to stay awake and talk.

For a while, I wasn't sure I could do it. Honestly, moving from my family and him at the same time was probably the hardest thing I've had to do. But soon, the weekends come when I get to see him, feel him hold me again, just be around someone who truly accepts me for me. I get so excited and fix my room perfectly, plan out everything we can do and wait patiently.

That is when it is worth it: the utter relief of seeing this person you've fallen so hard for in real life again; hearing his genuine laugh again; watching his eyes light up when he talks about literally anything because you two are actually together again. Just even getting to drive around listening to music with one another is so special because you're with your favorite person in the whole world, and no one can ruin these moments for you. He snuggles you, kisses you and you feel like the most important person in the entire world. You feel like you finally have your other half again, and all is right with the world.

I won't lie, the worst is the leaving again. When one of you finally has to go back home to work or school. And the fairy tale weekend is over. (I'm crying right now, thinking about it) But—and here's the most important part—it's all completely worth it. The heartache we both feel during the week is almost erased when we get to be together again. And not only is it worth it, but we cherish each moment so much more, even if we are just sitting in each other's presence. We learn to acknowledge even the smallest aspects of one another and value them to an extreme level. I am honestly thankful for how close this experience has brought us, and how it has solidified our relationship in a way i never thought possible. Do I wish we lived in the same city? Of course, but we are making it happen, and until we can be together again, I will live for these weekends with the best attitude I can have.

I guess what I really want you to take away from this is that it can be done! It sucks, it hurts, but getting to have someone who values you and loves you so incredibly much is so worth it. Don't let any amount of time or distance separate you from someone you deserve. Put in the effort, and you will see just how wonderful and do-able these kinds of things can be!