Being in a long-distance relationship has taught me more about myself and life than anything I have ever experienced. Unlike some, being long distance hasn't been hard. It's almost too easy to even believe (which is what I consider to be a HUGE blessing).

I never believed these types of relationships lasted. And if they did, they would be short-lived. The only successful long-distance relationships I've heard of were the "high-school sweethearts" who ended up getting married after college or even the couples with their significant other stationed far away from home to serve their country.

Whatever it was, I never thought I would ever commit myself to one. I wouldn't have allowed myself to go through the complications of deciding whether or not we should be open, or set myself up for failure by committing to someone who wasn't "here." But most of all, I didn't think I had the strength to "be with someone" hundreds of miles away from me. And shockingly, here I am, in one piece, doing more than okay, and very happy.

What I've learned is that there is a difference between trust and naivety.

I've learned that love isn't monetary or defined by a number of hours you've spent talking or being with each other. It's simple.

I've learned to have meaningful conversations because when the both of you are busy with your own lives, every second counts.

I've learned that I am allowed to be my own individual in a relationship and do not need to be stuck at the hips with someone to feel like I am with them. You shouldn't need to "claim" anyone.

And from that, I've learned that there is nothing wrong with prioritizing yourself before others. (ESPECIALLY with school, ladies!)

I've learned that jealousy can be one of my worstqualities, and no one should ever compare themselves to others unless it is to make yourself a better person.

I've learned that good things are always worth fighting for. Because #lovealwayswins.

There's a lot more to list, but what I am trying to say is: never underestimate yourself. For me, I doubted my ability to be in a relationship that is stigmatized to be "hard." I never liked to take risks. (Ask my parents. When piano, dance class, and art lessons started getting hard, I quit.)But this gave me the confidence to start looking for challenges. You learn more about yourself and your capabilities when doing so.

And now, I am braver than ever before when seeking new opportunities. I'm making bigger and more important choices in my life. You learn a lot by loving your friends, family, and your loved one, near or far.

So thank you. You know who you are, for motivating me to become a better version of myself.