Trust me, the two years we had together was fun while it lasted, but I’m glad it came to an end. Of course I thought we would last forever, but then reality hit me. I was in love with the idea of love. I thought I had my whole life planned out in high school, but that is impossible for any high school senior. Not having to be attached to my phone 24/7, waiting for a text or have a constant worry in the back of my head is fantastic. I feel so free and happy.

I don’t want to say my relationship held me back, but if it weren’t for the breakup I wouldn’t be where I am now. I get to focus on studying without the buzzing of my phone or the notification of a missed facetime call. I didn’t want to constantly miss someone who probably wouldn’t miss me. Our long distance relationship would have turned into an illusion. Fantasizing about love that is impossible and encountering empty promises wasn’t something I wanted to deal with during my first year of college.

My high school self is not the same as my college self. I am in a whole new environment with new faces. The 3 months I have been at college has already been an exciting rollercoaster and I wouldn’t want it any other way. The only person I have to focus on is myself and only myself. I feel so free and focused without a long distance relationship. Of course I miss the good morning texts, the thought of someone caring about me, and the feeling of being loved but there are things that are much more important. I don’t want to take the time out of my day to have a facetime date, instead I want to take advantage of every opportunity I have to meet new people and to have fun.

I don’t want to ask for permission to go out for a night or apologizing for drinking too much. I don’t want to have the worry that he would cheat on me. What if he was tagged in a photo with another girl? Jealousy is a monster that feeds on long distance relationships. I knew we would get jealous of one another and then the stressful fights and angry phone calls would begin.

Not being in a relationship makes you realize there are more things the world has to offer than just a good morning text. I have time to hangout with my friends, focus on school, have an amazing personal life, and do whatever the hell I want! I realized there were people out there that cared more about me. You can tell your partner that you’ll always love them no matter the distance, but words are words and actions are actions. I’m happy and I’m taking full advantage of my college experience.