Every time I talk about my boyfriend from back home most people react by saying, "oooh that never works, especially in Pullman." While that may be right for some cases, long distance relationships (LDR) actually work out for most of us. But the truth is that there are good and bad to LDRs just like with anything in life, and it's time to put them out there over the stereotypes and misconceptions. So, with a little help from my sisters, I've put it all out there for you.

Here's some of the good: 

Communication at its finest.

The best long distance relationships tend to be the ones that have built a strong foundation of communication beforehand. Knowing you have someone who will listen when you call them crying and frustrated because you have three tests and two papers all in one week and you just can't deal is the best. Your partner goes beyond your phone call to mom and your vent sesh to your roommate by knowing how to communicate to you on your level and be able to lift your spirits higher than that stoner kid from high school at hemp fest. I love when I am able to call my boyfriend pissed off at something and he's able to give me an outside perspective that's different (and better) than the one I have here in Pullman.

Being independent from your relationship. 

As every relationship progresses, people get closer and closer to each other to the point where their lives are their relationship and they can't function without their significant other. The beauty of a long distance relationship is that as you get closer — well as close as you can with the distance. You two are still able to live your lives and be keep your own identities. Many of my sorority sisters agree that college is a time where you learn and find who you are as a person. Having a LDR gives you support as you change and come into the real you without smothering you.

When you finally see them after forever and you just about die.

Seeing your partner after days, weeks, or months of not seeing each other is literally better than Christmas for a five year old. Skype, hour long phone calls, all those "I miss you," "When can I see you?" and the undeniable sexual tension all leads up to that moment when you can finally spend some time with your partner no matter how much time has passed. Moments make you appreciate each other so much more than if you were to see each other on the daily. And let's be real getting it on with your man and sharing that intimacy is something you definitely can't get on your own. 

But here's the bad ...

Even though there are so many positive aspects to having a LDR in college, there are always those things that people bring up and nag you about. When you want to dress up and go out with your girls, the last thing you want to hear is your man across the state telling you he doesn't want you to go out or party or dress a certain way. Here is where you have to decide if you want to sacrifice your ability to do certain things. But if it's too much, that's when you start questioning their trust in you and wanting to be able to go out and have fun. This varies from person to person, but I think we can all agree that if we wanted someone to tell us what to do, we'd move back in with our parents.

One of the most common things that happens in LDRs is when you two drift apart and become different people. It seems like all odds are against you two with being in different settings, with different people, and having different goals. This happens when LDR couples become their own individuals and lose who they were when they are with their partner. The time between the seeing each other widens this gap and you just feel like you don't understand each other and your goals for the future turn from "we" to "me." 

Is it worth it?

This is probably the sh*ttiest question to ask yourself in a LDR but the honest truth is that it depends. It depends on how much you love that person a million miles away and how much you're willing to give up. It takes two to make things work so it can't all be done by yourself and it never should. But if you are ready to dive in head first and only come up for air every once in awhile then you'll be just fine. 

But at the end of the day do what makes you happy, and what's best for you.