The question I always get when I tell people that I am in a long distance relationship is, "How do you do it?" And I say, "By trusting my boyfriend, being honest with him about my feelings, having patience with him when he can't always talk to me, love him through everything, and communication." Being in a long distance relationship isn't ideal, but they are definitely worth it when you're with the person you love.
Long distance relationships are hard at times and it will feel like you're going crazy without that person by your side. But the hardest part? You can't just call them up and ask them to meet you for lunch, or ask them to come comfort you after a rough day, or hug them whenever you want. However, the moment you finally get to see the person you love again, all those feelings of stress and loneliness go away. Without trust, honesty, patience, love and communication, long distance relationships can easily break apart.
Trust
This is probably one of the hardest things, especially when you aren't with the person 24/7 like you're used to. But you have to trust that they are being faithful. You have to trust that they are being smart with their decisions. You have to trust that they are actually doing what they say. You have to trust their honesty. It takes a while to build trust, but once you have it there is nothing to worry about.
"The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." --Ernest Hemingway
Honesty
Be honest. It is so much easier to tell the truth than to lie about something, because eventually the truth will come out. Be honest about your feelings. Be honest if they upset you. Be honest if you miss them. Be honest if they need to do something different. You want to be happy and you want to keep them happy. Honesty can go a long way. If you're honest, you'll earn their trust.
"Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure." --James Altucher
Patience
This is something I always struggle with. There are some days where I just want to talk to my boyfriend, but he is busy doing something else. Sometimes I am not patient enough to wait until he can give me his full attention. Be patient. Don't rush them into something or act impatient because they can't talk to you 24/7. They have a life just like you do. Sure, you're schedules might be different, but have patience knowing that they'll always talk to you at the end of day or send you that good night text.
"Patience is the support of weakness; impatience the ruin of strength." --Charles Caleb Colton
Love
Love them unconditionally. Love them through their good days, even if you're having a rough day. And also love them through their rough days, even if you're having a good day. Give them love when they least expect it, because they deserve all the love in the world. Showing you love them will only make the distance seem like it is nothing.
"Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own." --H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Communication
Communication is key. Without communication how do you expect to get to know each other better and grow deeper in your relationship? Texting is not always the best form of communication because sometimes you can't tell the tone of the text or they forget to text back. But sometimes that is all you have. Use it to your advantage. There is also nothing wrong with surprise phone calls that they least expect.
"Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity and the emotions to affect other people." --Jim Rohn
If you're in a long distance relationship, don't give up. I promise you it is worth it in the end. You know what you have waiting for you whenever you get to reunite. Long distance relationships are blessings in disguise.
To my boyfriend-- thank you for going through a long distance relationship with me. I knew we could do it. Our relationship is such a blessing.
