Being in a long distance relationship has taught me so many valuable life lessons that I never thought possible. I'm not about to explain how wonderful and "dreamy" my relationship is because that would be ridiculous and a waste of everyone's time. These lessons can apply to absolutely anyone, and I hope many can relate.
Before I describe what I have learned, I think it's important for me to be perfectly honest about a few things. I used to think relationships, especially at a young age, were pointless. I told myself to never get attached because I'll just wind up being hurt and heartbroken in the long run. But, that's when I met him and my perspective completely changed. For the first time, I had found someone who I could truly be myself around- my goofy, weird self. I had found someone who respected me and wanted to spend quality time with me. Therefore, I had found someone who was worth the risk, which is why I ultimately decided to commit to a long distance relationship and the results have been worth it.
My long distance relationship has taught me the importance of being honest, even when telling the truth may hurt the other person. Do I even have to explain why lying to the person who’s in love with you is wrong? If you are in a committed, serious relationship with someone who has treated you with loyalty and kindness, you need to respect them enough to keep them in the loop about what you may or may not have been up to.
My long distance relationship has taught me how to compromise. Before committing to my relationship, I basically did what I wanted when I wanted because I didn't have anyone that I wanted to spend my downtime with. However, I now like to make sure that my boyfriend is happy with the plans we make, and if he is not, then we try to work something else out and vice versa. If he or myself really just don't want to do something, then we're honest with each other about it and figure something else out. Just to clarify, I don't compromise because I'm forced to, it's because I want to! Once you find someone you share such a close bond with, whether that be a romantic or a platonic love, you will understand the satisfaction of knowing that the both of you are content with what you have planned to do.
My long distance relationship has taught me how to be realistic. We both know it's possible we won't be "together forever" because relationships are not always how they are portrayed in movies, even though it'd be nice to think so. This is okay. Learning how to be realistic and down-to-earth helps you truly enjoy and appreciate the time you do have with someone.
My long distance relationship has taught me how to manage my time and my priorities. Honestly, the “we don’t have to talk to each other every day” concept is a load of crap. There is not one person that I know who leaves their phone untouched for more than a few hours. It requires almost no effort at all to send a quick message saying, “Hey, I’ve been having a super busy day, but I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you. I’ll talk to you soon.” I have learned that it takes a mere thirty seconds to say "hi" to your significant other and remind them that they're on your mind. This applies to friendships, too! If you haven't talked to your best friend in a while, take the thirty seconds just to ask them how they are.
My long distance relationship has taught me the value of patience. One of the biggest issues my loved one and I have encountered is misinterpreting each other’s texts, as silly as it sounds. Sending messages is not at all the same as hearing his voice, but often times it’s the only option we have. At the beginning of our long distance experience, I cannot tell you how many times we got into pointless arguments because one of us misread a word or misinterpreted the other’s tone. After a while, we both had had enough of the bickering and began to learn how to sit back, think before we respond, and ask for clarification before snapping at each other. Becoming more patient has not only benefitted my relationship, but it has also strengthened friendships and has caused me to develop an overall calmer attitude.
Most importantly, my long distance relationship has taught me that love is real and it is special. It’s not easy; it’s not supposed to be. Love requires effort, compassion, honesty, and communication. No matter what happens to us in the future or wherever life ultimately takes us, I will always want the best for him because this relationship has been such an integral part of my life for the past several years. Finding a true connection with someone is rare, so don’t give that up due to fear of uncertainty or distance. Enjoy the time you have together, however long that time may be!
