I moved across the country for a guy. Now before you judge me or shut me out, hear me out. I met him at a club on a seven-day cruise, and we then spent as much time together as possible on the trip. When we got off the cruise, we promised to text and call each other. From texting and calling 24/7, we went into a long-distance relationship for almost two years until I decided to move to the West Coast for college. We texted 24/7, had Skype dates, flew between his home in Washington and my home in Maryland, we went to school dances, and graduations.
We did everything a normal couple would do, but a little different: We texted instead of spending time together between classes and Skyped instead of dinner dates. To us, our relationship wasn’t much different than anyone else’s, it was even better. We were able to connect emotionally before putting physical pressure on our relationship. We learned how to communicate; it was what kept us alive. But still, moving across the country was a huge step—a step that I wasn’t sure was the right one.
It was scary. I had a lot of questions running through my mind: what if it doesn’t work out, what if I actually hated him, what if I can’t stand the way he eats his food, or what if he isn’t who I thought he was?
All these thoughts ran through my head while I was packing up my room at home to move across the country. All of my family lives on the east coast, and I just decided to move out to the west with no fall-back plan. I went in all or nothing. It was scary, but it was exhilarating at the same time. I drove my car from the east coast to Washington state—over 4,000 miles—and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
We got engaged a year after I moved. Now we’re married, living together, and even own dogs. I answered every single one of those questions that had been running through my head. I eventually learned the only way we’d work is by trying—no hesitations. I didn’t hate him, he was still the sweet guy I met on the cruise; he also eats like a normal human being. But most importantly, he was exactly who I thought he was. But, even if it hadn’t worked out, I still wouldn’t have regretted it. It was a learning curve, but it was an adventure, it was wonderful, but most importantly—it was worth it.
For those who are thinking about doing long distance relationships, my advice: just do it. Don't doubt the relationship and certainly don't regret it. You never know if it will work unless you try. The worse case scenario, you get to say you tried. You didn't give up, and that's something to be proud of. But maybe it works out. The stars align and you get through the long distance. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up married with two dogs.
To those going through a long-distance relationship: communication is key. With so many different communication tools at our disposal, there's no excuse not to! Also, I commend you. It's hard. But if you're one of the lucky relationships that make it through the long distance, then it's so worth it. You get to look at each other and say, "We did it. We actually did it." And to me, that's the best feeling in the world. So congratulations, for trying, for making the commitment to a long distance relationship, my best wishes to you.
