I’ve had several friends who have told me that they are in a long distance relationship. My response: “I’m sorry, that really sucks.” Looking back I must have sounded like such a jerk because karma has come full circle, and now I hear that response all the time. No one actually wants to be in one but it’s the only option if you both want to continue to stay together, and to me that sounded way better than losing my loved one.

Everyone has a different experience but I’m sure this will ring some bells to some while bringing insight to those jumping into a long distance relationship:

1. They don’t leave your mind.

You know the myth how men think about sex every seven seconds? Sometimes I feel like that’s how much I think of that person. It can be hard from spending almost every moment with them to not seeing each other at all for months.

2. Skype, Facetime, Snapchat, you name it.

I don’t even want to know how long I’ve spent in front of my phone or computer, but I’m positive it’s been more than two days. We don’t even have to be talking. Sometimes it’s nice to know that that someone is with you, experiencing the same moments.

3. I’m in a relationship with my phone.

Even if it’s 3 o’clock in the morning, having my phone on makes me feel like a call or a text is a real life interaction with my other; making me feel more normal to my previous life with my other. When this distance finally ends, not checking my phone as much will feel very odd but very healthy.

4. Daydreaming more than ever.

If I can’t experience memories with my other, I seem to relive the ones I do already have with them. These memories remind me why I still want to be in a long distance relationship.

5. Finding the interesting parts of your day. Every day.

I can have the most basic day and end up finding something cool about it because I want to have something to share. I take the moments that I have alone to discover more about myself.

6. Feeling lonely.

This is the most obvious of them all. Sometimes after having a hard day you just want to go back to someone who you know is there for you and can give you the best hugs. Being in a relationship isn’t all about the physical, but there is something about being present with one another that creates such a strong bond.

7. Finding traits you don’t like about yourself.

I’ve always told myself, I’m never going to be that girl who gets jealous and yet, I have. I’ve been jealous not of other girls or people trying to replace me, but not being able to experience what my other is experiencing. I want to be able to say I was there during that amazing moment with my other that they will end up talking about for years.

8. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Being apart doesn’t mean you can’t stop experiencing and making moments together. I actually think this is the closest we’ve ever been emotionally together, as long distance forces you to be honest with one another.

I never wish long distance upon any relationship and I still have a little over a week until we outlive our first relationship apart, but I can tell you now, IT IS SO WORTH IT! All the waiting and bumps that come along with distance will overshadow the moment I see my significant other again, in person.