Long distance is really hard. I'm not going to tell you it's easy or romantic, because it's really not. It's hard work and commitment. But when you do it with the right person, it really only makes your relationship stronger.
1. Your time is valued more
You both know you might be under a time crunch to be with each other, if one of you is only home for the weekend, but this pressure actually makes you prioritize your time together more. You cherish your alone time more than you would if you saw each other every single day and make the most of the time you have.
2. You have so much to talk about!
My boyfriend and I don't really Skype, we mainly talk over the phone or text, so of course we talk throughout the week about important things. But when we see each other we have so much to catch up on. You finally get to hear all the stories that would have taken too long over the phone, you get to hear about their crazy roommate or their wild adventures on the weekend, it's like meeting another side of your partner and it's really interesting. If you saw each other every day, you might run out of topics to talk about...
3. You both get to be independent
In my opinion, in order for a relationship to be healthy and work for both parties, you have to be your own person. When couples are completely dependable on each other, it's not always the best thing. Being in a long distance relationship means that you get to create your own identity and have your own experiences and become your own person. And then when you see your significant other again you get to share that side of you with them! Then your independent selves compliment each other instead of conflict with one another.
4. You learn to communicate more clearly
It's very important in a long distance relationship to make clear what your expectations are, and have a plan for how you are going to visit each other and such. When you know that talking to each other is important, It stresses the importance of communication. And once you get the hang of it, communicating, what some people say is most important in any relationship, comes easier to you both.
5. You learn patience
I am horrible at being patient. I hate standing in lines at theme parks, waiting for my food, I'm just the worst. it wasn't until being in a long distance relationship that I discovered just how important it was. If you are constantly thinking about how much you miss your significant other, then you're just going to make yourself depressed. Telling myself, 'okay 2 more weeks until I get to see him, I can do that', then moving on with the rest of my life, made having patience easier. The busier I was, the more distracted I was, and the faster the time went by. I'm so grateful for it now.
(us in Ithaca on Halloween!)
6. You realize that if you can do long distance, you can do anything...
Like I said before, I am not trying to convince you that long distance is the best way to have a relationship, or that it's super easy! All I'm saying is that if you're doing it with the right person, you'll know. Bumps in the road can cause a lot of second guessing on both ends, but ultimately, if you love each other, and practice healthy ways to maintain your commitment, nothing can stop you. It shows you how much you mean to the other person if they're willing to go on this crazy ride with you. I hate long distance, but I'm grateful for what it has taught me and will continue to teach me. I've never felt more connected to my boyfriend and more confident in our relationship.