Let me say, before you look at this post and think it's the typical sad, sappy story about a long distance relationship not working out, this isn't about the stereotypical college fling.

I will say that long distance relationships are hard. They're unbelievable challenging and some days are harder than others but wow, the good days. The good days make the bad ones disappear. Unfortunately, it's not just the "we go to two different colleges long distance relationship." It's the "I'm a college student and he's a Marine 7000+ miles away" relationship, but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm in this for the long haul.

Although for a while it killed me a little inside when people said they haven't seen their significant other today, or in a week, it doesn't really bother me anymore. It's been 6 months since I saw him off in the airport, but my long distance relationship has benefited me in so many ways.

1. Independence

It's shown me how I can be dating someone and have unconditional love and support from him, but I can do everything on my own. Some young people rely drastically on their boyfriend or girlfriend. This has shown me how to be strong on my own so that our relationship can be that much stronger.

2. Family

Okay, going away to college may have made me more of a family girl, but seeing how supportive my family and his family are of him and I together has shown me how I want to be with my children when I grow up. I know if I need anything I can go to any of them and that is what family is all about.

3. Blessings

Words cannot describe the feelings I have when I get to Facetime and talk to him. This has allowed me to recognize the value of a relationship. I don't get to go on dates, but I know when we do again I will treasure each and every one and every moment we spend together. And then there's when he gets to come home. The anticipation I have for that is unreal. All I can say is no one better get in the way. ;)

Long distance may be crazy, I may be crazy for doing it. People say to me, "you're young, don't let something hold you down," but this isn't holding me down. This is allowing me to become the strong woman I hope my future daughter can look to as a role model one day.