Being in a long distance relationship can take its toll on a couple. There are even degrees of how long the distance is. Some couples live in the same state but in different cities, some are in different states, and then there are some couples separated by countries. These relationships are never easy, trust me, my boyfriend lives halfway across the world.

Some days all you need is a warm hug from your partner, but it is impossible to get to them, so you resort to a video call. Or you want to just hang out, watch a movie, with no worry in the world but their fingers running through your hair.

If you’re in a long distance relationship, you don’t need me to tell you why it’s so tough. But, there is hope and there are ways to make this unideal situation more bearable. It can even work to your benefit sometimes.

1. Independence

I’m a college student and my boyfriend is an auditor/musician. This is the ideal time for me to experiment in my career path. Instead of my time being spent with my boyfriend every night of the week, my time is open for me to focus on my career and grades. I basically work on school stuff every day of the week, but if my boyfriend was next to me, I’m sure I would not spend nearly as much time on schoolwork. And the same applies for him. If I was by him every day, he probably would not be able to get as much done toward his professional and musical career.

In a way, these relationships leave room for the partners to have self-growth and development as individuals, while still planning and looking ahead for a more stable future together.

2. When you meet, it's La Vie en Rose

Being separated for longer periods of time makes seeing each other that much more meaningful. You miss each other so much, it makes the time spent together that much more worthy and treasurable. I have made countless memories with my boyfriend because I know that this time is precious and should be spent on making every moment worth the while. A hug is no longer a normal embrace, it becomes an embrace to remember and hold on to until the next time.

3. No More Snail Mail

We live in the right age for long distance. There are options in the technology world that let you see each other whenever and text each other all the time. There are even rings that connect your heartbeats (only issue, it’s a bit expensive).

4. Care Packages

There’s nothing sweeter than receiving a package full of presents and goodies prepared by the person you love. Uncovering all the things they thought you’d enjoy from a different part of the world. Receiving these packages are the perfect pick-me-up.

5. Money Saver

It’s sad to think of all the dates one does not get to go on when in a long distance relationship. But it kind of helps to think that by not going on all those dates, you can save up that money and use it towards your future together.

6. Perspective

If the couple can overcome the difficulties of long distance, other problems can sometimes seem easy to overcome. As a long distance couple, you’ve already faced a big hurdle. You develop thick-skin, or a new perspective, on what is and is not a big problem. Overcoming this will make some other obstacles feel smaller and easier to take care of.

7. Patience

Long distance relationships can teach us how to be patient. We cannot get instant gratification the way other couples can. For example, if you have big news to tell and don’t want to say it over the phone, you have to wait until the next time you meet with your significant other. Although it might eat you up inside, it teaches you to pace yourself.

8. Commitment Test

These types of relationships take a high level of commitment. Because these relationships can be difficult to maintain, if the couple is willing to stick it out through this tough time period, then it means they care enough to make the rough road work. Usually, no one would commit this much time and effort into making something they do not care about work.

9. Poetry in Life

When I say goodbye to my boyfriend at the airport, a piece of my heart is left behind with him. When I walk away in the customs line, every step weighs heavier. But when I travel back to meet him, my feet float all the way until I see him at the gate. Then I deflate into his arms. The bitterest things turn and taste the sweetest