To my amazing girlfriend,
So, we’ve made it through our first semester apart. We’ve managed to avoid the dreaded “turkey drop,” you know, where long distance couples routinely break up on or near Thanksgiving. I know I’m proud of us, and I’m sure you are too.
I have to say that you took me by surprise. We ran into each other in the way two trains would, and it completely changed our lives together. Thank you for an awesome summer filled with kick*ss activities and sweet afternoons of silence where we just enjoyed each other’s company. Before you came along, I didn’t think I’d be comfortable just sitting and reading a book with another person and not speaking a single word the whole time. But you made that real.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change one thing. We both committed to the long distance relationship without fully knowing what it would entail. But we both knew how we felt and that’s all that mattered. Here we are at the end of our first semester, and I have to say it’s been completely worth it. You have been completely worth it.
People often say that long distance relationships aren’t worth it. They say it’s too hard to trust someone that wholeheartedly and it’s hard to keep someone happy from far away. First off, trust comes easy with someone you love. In a good relationship, continuing to keep your partner happy doesn’t feel like something you have to do. With you, it’s something I want to do. I look forward to sending you the next care package or the next letter. I love seeing things that remind me of you and sharing them with you.
I want to thank you for being there for me. Even though I’m 500 miles away most of the time, I know I can always rely on you to hear me out and talk to me about whatever I want. Thank you for sticking with me through the arguments, which were almost always my fault, and thank you for being patient and understanding when I’m busy.
Likewise, thank you for making time for me. Our schedules are inconveniently misaligned and it takes effort to find time for our dates. You making time to see me means so much to me. Your smiling face and happy voice never fail to make my day. Talking way too long after we should have gone to bed and texting under the covers so I don’t wake up my roommate are some of my favorite things to do. Why? Because they’re with you.
Thank you for always answering my texts and never falling asleep before telling me goodnight (something I’ve been guilty of). Thank you for sharing interests with me and thank you for growing and learning in this experience along with me.
Our experience has taught us just how valuable the ordinary, run of the mill aspects of relationships are. Those small moments, like dancing in the kitchen, doing the dishes, or walking the dogs, are very special. Thank you for growing with me and helping me realize the true worth of the small moments together. I’m looking forward to our next small moment.
Always,
Your boyfriend.
