Here's what I have to say to those who tell me that "Long distance relationships never work…"

I don't care what you think!

Okay, let's rewind for a second… When people told me this when I first started dating my boyfriend, I did care. I actually cared a lot, and it was incredibly difficult for me to have faith in my relationship with all of the negativity that surrounded it. I knew that my boyfriend and I had strong feelings for each other, but I was constantly second-guessing if those feelings were enough to have a successful long-distance relationship.

I remember being so excited to tell people about my new boyfriend. I would go on and on about his sense of humor, contagious smile and loving personality. The people that I would talk to about my boyfriend were initially excited and happy for the both of us, but, the second they heard me say "we go to colleges that are eight hours away from each other," their faces dropped. And, more often than not, something negative came flying out of their mouths like….

"Oh my gosh I could never go that long without seeing my boyfriend."

Or

"I could never trust my boyfriend if we were that far apart."

Or

"It will be so hard to stay loyal to each other."

When I heard these comments, it was hard not to take it personally because I thought that they doubted my relationship. I felt discouraged and the excitement that I had for my new relationship was slowly starting to diminish. However, with time, I realized that it wasn't just my relationship that they were doubting- it was any long-distance relationship.

When I took a step back to think about the negative comments that were made, I honestly couldn't blame them for thinking so.

Society has a preconceived notion that long-distance relationships are too hard, and that the couple won't last.

There is a negative stigma associated with couples who live far apart from each other, and our society makes it difficult for those who have not experienced this type of relationship to see the strength, determination, and fundamental trust that results from a healthy, loving, long-distance relationship.

Nicholas Sparks' "Dear John," is a perfect example of this. Savannah and John, the two main characters, pursue a long- distance relationship while John goes to Iraq. While apart, Savannah becomes overwhelmed with sadness. She can no longer handle being apart from John, and therefore, chooses to end her relationship with John and marries another man.

Okay…okay. I know what you're thinking - "This is just a movie and isn't a real storyline."

You are correct in the fact that it is just a movie. However, this storyline of long-distance lovers whose relationship fails is quite common. The problem with it being so common is that when people have constantly relayed the same message through media, they begin to believe that it is true. Therefore, the false perception that long-distance relationships do not work that is given to us through media is what many people perceive to be true.

Sure, long-distance relationships are hard, and yes, it is difficult to be away from the person you love most. These relationships also require immense effort and commitment from both people in order to be successful. However, this does not mean that they can't be successful because distance does not define relationships!

If you truly love and care about the person who you are with, distance will not be able to come between your relationship.

I've learned if you eliminate negativity and have confidence in your relationship and your partner, all relationships can be successful. Regardless of your relationship dynamic, don't let society's negativity and false perceptions dictate how you view your person. It is difficult to do so, but once you remove all toxicity surrounding your relationship, you and your partner will thrive!

Stop caring what other people think! You and your partner's happiness are what truly matter, and if you are both confident, trust each other, and want to be together, do not hesitate to continue your relationship! Surround yourself with friends and family who believe in the success of you and your person, and be with someone that makes you happy.

Have faith in your relationship, continue to love and care for your partner, and prove society wrong because your relationship can and will be successful no matter what anybody says!