For anyone that ever knew me in high school or the beginning of college would tell you that I vowed I'd never be in a long distance relationship. I thought that I couldn't do it and that the distance would be too much for me. Well, I'll be the one to tell you that I was wrong. Sometimes the special person in your life happens to be 250 miles away. So, if your person is far away too, then this is for you! If you're wondering how in the heck people do it, here is some insight. Here are five ways you know that you're in a long distance relationship:

1. You are jealous of the couples that can grocery shop together

The simplest tasks like doing laundry, grabbing lunch, or grocery shopping are the ones that are the hardest for you to let go. People tend to think that LDR (long distance relationship-ers) only miss doing extravagant things together. That couldn't be farther from the truth. There is just something so nice about asking your boyfriend to help fold laundry or asking whether to buy 1% or 2% milk. The little things really do mean the most.

2. You value phone calls like an inmate does...

...and you know who your one call is."Hi, are you busy? Okay, well do I have a story for you...". Being in a long distance relationship, you don't get to be there in person to witness the small events take place. So, phone calls and FaceTime are the best way to explain how your day is going. Texting is great, but it's so much nicer to get full details and hear their voice.

3. Getting to visit them is like Christmas to you

The night before visiting your person is as exciting as patiently waiting for Santa to come as a child. You think about what to wear and plan each day to the T. Time is precious when you two are together, so it's a huge deal. And don't even get me started on the actual drive to them...

4. You understand the importance of communication

When you're dating someone who lives close to you, fights are easier to deal with because you can hug it out. When you fight via phone call it's easier to ignore the situation by hanging up. It's so important that you don't let that happen. Even if it's hard and you're stubborn, you know that you can't sleep until you've talked it out.

5. You spend most of your money on gas and cards

For me, Cleveland to Cincinnati is a bit of a haul. Since I don't spend my money on him every weekend, I never mind filling up twice or three times for a 500 mile round trip. Sending cards in the mail is a great way to say 'I miss you'. At the end of the day, every penny is worth it.

Long distance relationships aren't easy. You have to have trust, good communication, and a desire to make it work. But, isn't that how all relationships should be? All I know is that I'd rather be far apart than not be together at all.