Many couples shy away from the idea of trying a long distance relationship when the circumstances call upon a decision like that. From the outside looking in, most see this type of relationship as terrifying and difficult. While for a lot of couples in this situation things do not turn out well, there are a lot of benefits from this type of relationship when it is done right. Coming from a girl currently in one, long distance relationships most definitely require communication, time and effort by both people. This is not something most people predict when they are happily dating their boyfriends or girlfriend but it does happen, and I didn't want it to happen nor do I love the idea of it. But with that, my boyfriend and I have actually become closer from the situation and there are definitely some pluses that have come with being in a long distance relationship. I certainly believe that if you love your significant other enough and that the two of you are serious enough, the relationship is worth the distance during college and here is why:
The commitment is mutual and real. Why would you put yourself through this if you don’t plan or see yourself with your significant other in the future? Being in a long distance relationship solidifies the fact that the both of you want to be in each other's future and will do anything to stay together, even if that means being ten hours or a thousand miles apart.
The communication is stronger. For my boyfriend and I, it helps that we live in the same state and time zone (same hometown too) but with the both of us having crazy hectic college schedules, communication has been hard but we have conquered it. To make up for the distance, you will spend more time talking about your days and more time catching your man up on who said what because they aren’t there to know the low-down. Your boyfriend will be the first person you go to when you get annoyed with everyone at school. When issues arise, you’ll spend more time communicating to ensure everything is okay and the problem is fixed because you cant stand to go a day without talking to them. So yes, communication can definitely become stronger while you two are far apart.
Getting to hangout together will never get old. After going months without seeing each other, the day you two are reunited is the best day ever. The day you get to actually hangout without the use of Skype will be the best day ever. The day you get to just cuddle all day will be the best day ever. Anytime you hang out after that while in the same geographic location will be just as great and you will want to every day because you know going back to school is a harsh reality creeping up very fast and once that happens the days of laying around after work doing nothing will soon be gone. I am dreading this right now.
You will appreciate each other and the relationship more. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is so true in long distance relationships. You won’t take each other for granted because you know what it’s like to not have each other constantly accessible. The little things really will matter. You will appreciate having someone who is away from the madness at school to cheer you up or make you feel better. You will appreciate having a relationship that is always constant and something you know you can count on.
You will keep each other in check academically. During the late nights of finals week you will stay up till two in the morning quizzing each other for that biology exam over Skype and ace that final because of it. You’ll help each other edit the others English paper or Chemistry lab report. You’ll plan out bets for who ever gets the higher GPA by the end of the semester and the loser will pay for dinner and a movie when you get home. In my case, my boyfriend beat me so guess who is paying for a night out to Red Lobster…This girl!
