Being in a long distance relationship is hard. I'm not going to sit here, lie, and say it's easy. Being hours away from the one person you want to see the most is brutal. That's why most people say long distance relationships don't work: it's "too hard." But I was always taught that if I wanted something bad enough that I needed to work hard for it. Now that I have a relationship that is worth something, I'm determined to make it work, even if the other person doesn't live down the street like I would like him to.
I've noticed some things in our relationship that might make ours different than the "typical" long distance couples, and I think these things that make us different are also the same things that will keep us together when it gets tough.
1. We're committed to each other
You can't be in an LDR when you're not committed to the other person. You're either all in or you're not in it at all.
2. We trust each other
You can't go around getting jealous that your significant other is spending time with other people when y'all are apart. They will see their ex. They will have to interact with flirty girls. If there's no trust, though, the relationship is pointless.
3. We make the most out of the little time you can spend together
My boyfriend and I don't see each other much, or for very long when we do. But however long we have together, we make it fun. It doesn't have to be anything extravagant, just as long as you two are together. Redbox and Publix sushi? Perfect. Hiking to a nearby waterfall? Great.
4. We understand that we have a lives outside of our relationship
We work. We have friends and family. We can't just sit in our room and sulk because we miss each other so much. We get out and make the most of the situation.
5. We make communicating a priority
No, we're not constantly texting. We text occasionally. But we call each other every night and talk for hours. Communication is key in an LDR.
6. We keep things private
I'll post a picture of us here and there. But if we're in an argument? No one will know. I don't gush about how awesome he is in social media because our relationship is between us. I know he loves me and he knows I love him. That's all that matters. We don't need all the drama of advertising our relationship on social media.
7. We're honest with eachother
If something is bothering us, we talk about it. And actually, talk, not text. You can't brush issues under the rug because it'll just come back up and the fewer arguments, the better. You have to be honest with each other and fix things right when it happens, or the relationship will never work.
8. We think long term
Yeah, it sucks now. But just think how awesome it'll be when we get to see each other again. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder, especially when you've found your person.
