I have been told on more than one occasion that if a person is not able to physically be in the same vicinity as someone, in order to spend time together, then there is no chance of a real romantic relationship between the two people. After all, if the two are separate for long periods of time and unable to hold hands in a movie theatre or dance together at a bar, how could they possibly get to know the other person’s quirks, likes, and dislikes? Does the relationship really exist if the only evidence of two people together are their text messages and call records?

For a long time my answer was to these questions was, “No.” I was made to be jaded by poor experiences and countless let downs, and a number of people telling me, “Long distance relationships hardly ever work out in the long run; you’re better off finding someone nearby.” The troubling thing was even if I did encounter someone with a mutual interest in me Iwas never nearby for long, and it ceased to be a mutual devotion shortly after. For anyone who knows joys and woes of traveling, they will understand that it can be a lonely past-time. Someone trekking across the world can begin to feel like Clint Eastwood’s character in Bridges of Madison County—a ghost among his own people.

Personally, I don’t fit that description, but for a while I did not think I would fall very short of that lifestyle once graduation came around, because I was already well on my way throughout college. The plan was to work abroad once I got out of school for a significant period of time; I accepted that I would be alone for a very long time and I was not going to let loneliness entrap me and spoil my dreams. No one was going to want a girl who was always packing a suitcase. I put a particular dream on the back burner, although it was hard to keep it from simmering in my thoughts, and focused on a future I was able to control and equally desired.

Then a wondrous thing occurred: I was proven wrong. Someone came along to help me find the answers to the two important questions I wrote in at the top of this article. Suddenly, that second question transformed into that annoying riddle about a tree falling in the forest while no one was around to hear it hit the ground. Does it really make a sound? Physics says yes! (And then curses the study of philosophy). The same is true of an amorous relationship.

So what makes this fine long distance romance work? Patience. Trust. Loyalty. Faith. Courage. Anticipation. And positivity. These are the simple buzz words that all country songs rely on to explain the phenomenon of love from afar, but honestly they are the building blocks of any successful relationship. No matter where someone is on the globe. But just like it takes two to tango, I needed the right person to show me that and help me work through my doubts.

You appeared on a soccer field one summer afternoon and offered me tips about how to juggle a ball better than your average 8-year-old. Naturally we encountered one another after I had been home for about a month and a half, and would be packing a suitcase in a little over two weeks to leave the country for a month in a half. The first time we went out together I knew at the end of the night there was something different about you, but I still felt the need to prepare myself for what would be a most disappointing, “It was nice knowing ya’.” No matter how much I liked you, there was no way I could ask you to stick around and wait for me, after knowing me for such a short time. But for the first time, rather than me asking, you stunned me by offering to do so.

It was a much harder good-bye than I imagined possible; the day before I left for the airport I was overwhelmed by nervous excitement, uncertainty, and just the tiniest hint of doubt. But you just bopped my nose with your finger tip, smiled, and told me to have the most fun I could. “I’ll be here when you get back,” you said.

I thought the best part would be knowing someone would be waiting for me when I got back. I was wrong again. The best parts were the nights falling asleep to your text messages, the numerous rounds of the game “20 Questions”, the rare but special Skype dates in two languages, and the chance to realize how fully you can miss someone you’ve only barely just started to know. I looked forward to going about my days, each full of new lessons and sights, knowing that at night I could settle down in bed and you would eagerly be waiting to hear about my experiences. I wasn’t used to having such an attentive audience, but your zeal made it easy to tell you anything that came to mind. Equal to your curiosity was my own. More and more frequently I would see something on my adventures, and it would inspire a question I couldn’t wait to ask you. Your honesty was much appreciated, and with it the conversations rarely ever died.

When I finally found my way home, I was so excited to see you. I think I might have offended my parents in my haste, because I was barely home 12 hours before we made plans. I wasn’t anxious to pick up where we left off, because truthfully there was no “leave off”. After getting to know you for all that time, and finding a true friend in what amounts to almost no time at all, in the grand scheme of things, I could not wait to thank you for all that you taught me. The battle was not won yet, because it would be time to go back to college--in a different state--in one week. But knowing that far in advance, you took it in stride, and after a wonderful week, parting was a little less sorrowful but still just as sweet.

Frankly, it sucks knowing I won’t get to see you again until November. But I know it will be okay. The truth is distance does not matter. The success we have found has nothing to do with it being longer or shorter, rather it is a product of being open with who we are, supporting what the other wants, and recognizing we have a long future of potential to accomplish things individually as well as together. I am so grateful for your patience while I work through some of the amazing chances presented to me. I will never be a lonely nomad, because you have taught me the power of metaphysical hugs.

You and I have been apart two times as long as the amount of time we have spent together. I know it won’t always be this way, and it is refreshing to know you do think so either. For the sole reason of wanting to be around you, the distance is difficult but not nearly a deal breaker. More than anything, I truly appreciate that you value me as someone worth waiting for. I assure you the feeling is mutual and I would not hesitate to act upon it if ever you ask.