On a day that revolves around love, it's not fun being without the one you love, to say the least. This is the case for many couples I'm sure, but what I'm talking about specifically is long distance relationships. I have been with my boyfriend for over three years now and we have been long distance for over 2 of those years. This Valentine's Day I spent the day alone even though I have a partner who I love, he just wasn't with me. Don't get me wrong, I miss him every day I am not with him. I don't believe in Valentine's Day being the only day you show your loved one how much you love them. I do though believe in the beauty of having a day designated to love. I enjoy having an excuse to show him I love him and him me. I enjoy spending the day with him, and I enjoy going on a date or having a date at home.

But, today I didn't get to do any of these things, no today I barely got to talk to my boyfriend because on top of being in a different city, we both had school then he went straight to work and will be there till long after I go to sleep. Many long distance couples understand exactly what I'm talking about, the numerous days you go without talking to each other hardly at all because life gets in the way and you don't even have the same zip code as common ground. While it's difficult to be in a long distance relationship any day of the year, Valentine's Day is especially hard because it seems as though everyone around you is with their partner and you are feeling as though you have more in common with the singles around you instead of the couples.

Even if you send each other flowers or cards, something is still missing. The feeling of being with the one you love is what you really want. Valentine's Day isn't special because you get presents, it's special because you get to remember why you love that person in the first place. Life gets so busy, many people get caught up in just getting through the day and they forget to appreciate the little things, like simply waking up next to the person you love, moving around each other to get ready in the morning, or cooking breakfast together. Long distance couples understand how special these everyday luxuries are. Long distance couples will take any amount of time with their partner they can get, even if it's just one day.

While I'm so happy for all the couples that got to spend Valentine's Day together, I'm envious at the same time because I would have loved to see my boyfriend, even if it was for just one hour. If you are in a relationship that is not long distance make sure you take the time to appreciate just being next to your loved one, appreciate being able to go to sleep and wake up next to them, appreciate being able to eat dinner at the same table, appreciate their dirty socks on your floor. Appreciate everything that comes with having them close because many couples don't have even share a zip code and they would give anything to.