Very rarely do people get themselves into a long-distance relationship on purpose, it just kind of happens. Long distance is a choice, but never a preference. The couple becomes a victim of circumstance, usually one of the two relocate.

Being that I've never been in love, I cant give the best advice on it in a relationship manner. I actually have a terrible track record with love, especially that of long distance.

Last semester, I transferred over to USF from a community college in my hometown (it was A LOT cheaper than going straight to a university). When I did, I left behind the one person I genuinely love.

Liz is my person. When we met, we were in middle school, but we actually didn't become friends until college. She's my other half. No matter what she's there for me, even if I'm being an idiot. She lets me make my mistakes, telling me I'm dumb as I make them, and picks up the pieces when things fail. Growing up, I never had anyone I truly connected with; no one I could rely on.

When I think of Liz, I see a strong woman with goals and aspirations in life. I see someone who's gotten through everything thrown at her. I see a good friend, someone who will go out of their way for their friends, would kill (not literally.. I think) for them. I see someone who deserves the world.

I don't know what I would do without Liz. When I first moved to Tampa, I had a difficult time adjusting. My entire life was back in Ocala. My friends, family, everything. Not being able to text her to come over was such a strange feeling to me. The girl practically lived with me. I got really homesick and started to isolate myself. I cut off friendships, some were meant to be cut off, some weren't. I took my problems out on others instead of talking about them. I was so miserable at USF, I considered transferring to UF to be closer to her and my other friends.

In mid-September, I had a really bad day. Ended a friendship that I'd had for years and was really upset. The first person I texted was Liz. She came down to Tampa the following weekend. Everything was as it was in Ocala. Every time something came up at school and I was having issues, Liz would talk me through it, telling me it'll get better, that I just have to be patient; and it did.

Liz,

You taught me what a friendship really is. You came into my life, and made it better than I could have ever made it. You're the person someone could only live without if they'd never had you in their life before. You're the best friend someone could as for. You'll comfort them when they cry, and then beat down the person who made them cry. You make people laugh even when they're sad.

You believe in me even when I don't believe in myself. You're there for me, even if I haven't been for you.

You're the kind of person who will care about someone else before caring about yourself.

You know me straight to the core. What ticks me off, when I'm annoyed you can tell, what I love, everything. You go out of your way for those you love, sometimes without even realizing it.

I constantly wonder how I got so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you for always believing in me, for always being there for me, and for being my friend. You're the Monica to my Rachel (you OCD freak), the Hyde to my Kelso, the rum to my coke. You're everything I could ask for in a friend and more. I know at times I take you for granted, but I appreciate you with all my being.

Thank you for being my person.