The idea of a fairytale romance is pushed upon most of us at a young age, and no matter how much we grow and change deep down we never lose faith that one day we will find it. When you find it you hold on tight and attempt to make it work by any means necessary. However, I don't think any fairytale ended, "and they lived happily ever after while living 250 miles apart." A long distance relationship isn't ideal for many; It can strengthen or weaken your relationship. The distance teaches you quite a bit about your partner, your romance, and yourself along the way.
1. You learn how to prioritize.
You make time for what you want and in a long distance relationship you quickly realize that prioritizing becomes a necessity. It may feel unromantic to schedule time with your significant other but if not you could go weeks without hanging out and unintentionally put your relationship on the back burner.
2. Trust is mandatory.
Out of sight, out of mind doesn't work in long distance relationships because you're constantly out of sight. You have to have faith that you're partner is being truthful or you'll drive yourself crazy.
3. Arguments don't resolve themselves.
When you see someone daily, resentment fades and tension wears away by simply asking them what they want for dinner or to pick up milk on their way home. However when you're miles apart it is easy to end a trip on a bad note that resonates loudly with their absence. It is important to actually talk about your issues because time isn't on your side.
4. Communication is key.
Quality time in a long distance relationship consists of solid hours of texting , Skype dates and phone calls. Communication in all of its various forms are the only ways you can keep up with each others daily lives. If communication goes silent then something is wrong.
5. You have to learn to be alone.
You go to a lot of parties stag, you third wheel often and people may start to believe that your significant other is imaginary. To be in a long distance relationship you must learn how to be alone while being together.
6. It can consume your life.
Don't let it. Of course it should be at the top of the previously mentioned priority list, but it shouldn't stop you from hanging with friends, going out and enjoying yourself. Every moment should not depend on the next call, Facetime or scheduled visit.
7. Everything isn't 50/50.
More than likely you each lead fairly busy lives. Some months it may feel like your pumping all the gas, making all the commutes and altering your schedule. It shouldn't be one sided but very rarely is it equal. Someone may always feel like they're doing more and the other is doing less. If you ever feel like you're in an 80/20 situation you need to reevaluate.
8. Leaving is hard.
Finally getting to see your S.O. is euphoric. You've primped and cleaned so much in preparation for your romantic weekend that you forget that it has to come to an end. The final moments you have with them can be more dramatic than the ending of the Titanic movie.
9. It's more effort.
This sounds like a no brainer but it takes an incredible amount of patience and control to keep the love alive while hundreds or thousands of miles apart. Things aren't as simple and it's a choice you make.
10. People judge.
If you ever complain about lonely nights and long days your friends may be apt to question why you don't just find someone closer.
11. When it works out, it's worth it
Long distance relationships, though sometimes difficult, are worth the extra effort — especially if you're doing it with the right person. If you make it to the promise land of one day being in the same city, or maybe even the same house, it will all seem worth it.
