Being in a long-distance relationship (LDR) is hard but it is so rewarding. I love my relationship and it's the healthiest one I have ever been in. I've been in my relationship for a year, but long-distance for 6 months and it'll be long distance for at least the next three years.

The fact that he's 7,000 miles away doesn't change how much I love him or how much he means to me.

If anything, the distance makes me love him even more. I appreciate the time I do get to spend with him and I cherish every moment we have together (physically and on the phone). The distance makes me appreciate even the little things. I fall in love with him all over again every day.

Do I talk about him too much? Maybe. Do I say how much I miss him to anyone who pays attention to me? Yes.

He always stays on my mind. I always think about what he's doing or how we're going to be even a year from now. I love him with my whole heart.

When people find out I am in an LDR, they automatically assume he's cheating on me or doing something he "isn't supposed to be doing." Being in an LDR, I have so much trust in my boyfriend — something most people don't have who are in a "normal" relationship.

Half of me wishes he could be by my side every second of every day, but I know the distance is making us stronger.

The distance is making our relationship better. The love I have for him is so much stronger than I ever would've imagined when I first met him. Being apart has ups and downs, but I love my sailor who is more than 7,000 miles away from me.

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