Long distance sucks. We all have heard this hundreds of times throughout our lives, but have you actually lived it or experienced it? I'll be the first to say that saying it 'sucks' doesn't do it justice, and I'm sure those of you who have been in a long-distance relationship think the same thing. It is so much more than not getting to see your partner. That alone is so hard. It is missing out on all the experiences together. It's physically not being there when your significant other is upset. It's not being there for their successes or accomplishments. Yeah, you will be able to hear about it or see about it via FaceTime or phone, but that is so not the same. I feel for you if you're in a long-distance relationship. Me and my girlfriend have been dating for 9 months, and I have actually seen her or been there with her for 35 days. It is the worst feeling in the world knowing that you can't just show up to their house. You can't be the one they cry on when their sad. It kills me. I love my girlfriend more than anything in this whole world, and I know for a fact that our foundation is built strong enough to withstand any adversity. That is what gets me through each day. Having someone who you know feels the exact same about you is so nice. For me, 3 things have been key to a healthy long-distance relationship.
Trust
You have to trust your partner. That is literally all you have in a long-distance relationship. You can't be controlling of them. You have to be totally vulnerable to anything that could happen. Your heart is totally exposed to whatever they want to do to it. You are going to get jealous, in fact, I am one of the most jealous people on the earth. I get so bothered by little things, but I know my significant other loves me with their whole heart. That feeling of reassurance puts me at ease. Trust your partner.
Plan Events
When you go months on end without seeing each other, plan trips or dates for when you finally get to be together. Be spontaneous. It is one of hardest things being away from your partner, but the excitement of a special date or weekend retreat makes it suck a little less. Doing this makes long-distance kind of fun in a way. Nothing beats the joy on my girlfriend's face when we go on these trips. Seeing her happy is my only goal.
Reassurance
Reassurance is so satisfying, especially when it is not asked for. Random words of reassurance will make you feel so good about yourself and your partner. Tell your significant other how much they mean to you and do it randomly. Trust me, they will appreciate it more than you know. On a daily basis, I remind my girl how much I love her. Multiple times a day for that matter. It never gets old. It will light up your insides and make you the softest person on the planet. I don't care, I am all about my girl, and I know she is all about me.
In reality, if you and your partner truly love one another, you can get through anything. It's all about communication, just like with anything in life. Even though being in a long-distance relationship is challenging, don't lose hope. It will all be worth it in the end. Seeing your partner after being away from each other for a long time is so satisfying. Those moments when you are together are some of the best times filled with the best memories. I was so scared getting into a long-distance relationship, but honestly, I found the one for me. I couldn't be happier. Don't let distance stop you!
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