Shakespeare once said, "absence makes the heart grow fonder." I and many other people in the world know this to be true. Long distance relationships can be for any reason. Whether it be school or a job or a new commitment made, distance is never easy. The worst form of a long distance relationship is hands-down a Military relationship, one that I know all too well. Now, don't get me wrong, I could make lists of all the negative things about being in love with someone hundreds of miles away, but there are pros and benefits that many do not talk about.
You become a pro at spending the time you have on the phone, wisely.
The military isn't big on phones or contact with anyone while in training -- even after -- so, anytime you have to talk, is precious time. You get to know each other better, a lot better. You can tell instantly when something is wrong and when something isn't right. If you get a voicemail or a text, you will listen to it and re-read that message hundreds of times. It keeps you sane.
FaceTime, FaceTime, FaceTime.
I can't tell you how many FaceTime "dates" I have had in the last nine months. Sitting in your room, holding your phone, looking through the screen at the love of your life. Romantic, huh? Most people are probably thinking of how boring or dumb that sounds but to me and the others in a military relationship, this is what makes it all worth it.
One word -- trust.
Long distance relationships require double the effort as a normal relationship. You must trust each other, and that is something people lack these days. Nobody is actually in love. They are in love with the idea of having someone to go to. But what happens when that person is 800 miles away? Then what? Heartbreak is what. Living your life while your partner is hundreds of miles away is the hardest thing anyone has to do. What makes it harder is not trusting them. Worrying about what they are doing at all hours of the day. Whether they are doing things behind your back. This is where trust comes in. I know in my heart that my boyfriend would do nothing to jeopardize what we have, why do I trust him this much? Because I love him and he loves me.
You learn what patience really is.
If your partner is in the military, it takes an exhausting amount of patience whether you're waiting to know if they can come home or even if they will have phones. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever for sure when it comes to the military. Homecomings can change the day before or even the day of. You might be expecting a call and never get that call, why? Because everything is always changing. A phrase I have come to live by is, Semper Gumby -- always flexible. Without having patience, you will be eaten alive by the constant changes.
Although long distance relationships are extremely difficult and frustrating 99 percent of the time, it's honestly all worth it. My relationship is so much stronger than it would be if my boyfriend lived down the street. I've come to appreciate him so much and the time we have together even more. Love truly does conquer all. Remember, you're one day closer to him coming home.