Well, today I'm gonna write about something that I have known about for four years. It's nothing new to my brain or my heart. But it is funny how growing up (even just two years) can change your perspective on it as well as your heart.

Long distance is no joke. It is not for the weak hearted, the weak minded, the weak spirited.

Long distance teaches you to rely more on yourself and not on the person you love. You learn a lot about yourself and you have to focus on you. Learn how to grow as a person by yourself. Enjoy the space so you can know you before you take your next big step in life.

Long distance teaches you how to fend for yourself no matter what the situation is.

Long distance teaches you that Skype, FaceTime, Wifi, texting, etc. are really important in your life. You also learn that phone chargers and computer chargers are an essential.

Long distance teaches you how important your friends are. You can't do this on your own. Treasure the times you have with them and don't forget who has been behind you through the whole thing. Don't take your social time for granted.

Long distance teaches you that love and trust are so incredibly important. Even if it is a work in progress, it will remain important. Don't give up on striving to make both stronger.

There are also different kinds of long distance relationships: distance by home and distance by duty.

Let me explain: there are what I consider a normal, long distance relationship. These are relationships where you just live in a different city or state than your significant other.

The there are the long distance relationships separated by duty, also known as the military.

Long distance is hard to do either way. Living apart is really hard and I've been there. I went through it for a long time in high school for about a year and a half. It sucked. And eventually, for me, it didn't work out.

And now, I'm doing, in my opinion, the hardest duties of them all. Not only do I live about an hour and 40 minutes away from Michael, but I am also learning about the military. I'm learning about how hard it is to watch your person go across the country or across the world. To me, it's worth it. For some, it's hard to handle. And that's okay.

Long distance teaches you how strong you truly are. It teaches you to be thankful for the time you have with him or her since your visit times aren't every day. It makes you grateful for the person. It reminds you of why you are with that person.

My greatest piece of advice for long distance is this: as cheesy as the saying is, distance does make the heart grow fonder. Distance also teaches you some incredible lessons. Do not take those lessons for granted. oh, and don't give up. I know that seems obvious but there will be days where that reminder is really important.

Long distance is hard but in the end, I believe it is worth it and could end up being the greatest decision you ever make. As sappy as it is, I'm really grateful for Michael. We've been together for 4 months but it feels more like 4 years. I've grown throughout long distance relationship. Now I'm not saying just go get into any long distance relationship.

For me, I took a chance, and I'm so thankful I did. I've learned so much and I've gotten my best friend / a boyfriend out of it and I couldn't be more grateful.

Follow your heart. You'll be surprised what it can show you.

Here's to us, Michael!

-Kaley