We all know the famous saying “Distance makes the heart grow fonder.” As time goes on, more and more people in our generation are giving long distance relationships a shot. We see these relationships mostly in college. In my opinion, its very rare to see long distance relationships last at this age. Most end because one of the parties want to be single, and “enjoy college.” Other reasons can be cheating, lack in trust or communication, or you just simply don’t see the person enough to love them anymore. Long distance relationships are hard. They, in simple words, suck. But other times they are rewarding and teach you not only about love, but they teach you about who you are as a person. I have experienced a long distance relationship and am proud to say I am still in one. Here is my little love story and proof that distance truly does make the heart grow fonder.
I was a ragged little freshman in high school, with very minimal friends. I didn’t know names, I didn’t know where classrooms were, and I didn’t know anything about high school. After the first week of school I had a steady group to call my own, who I would enjoy lunch with, who’s houses I would sleep over on weekends, and who I would go to all of the sporting events with. One day in my second period religion class, I whispered over to my friend about the cute blonde kid who sat two rows over. His name was Mitch. Now I’m not going to lie, he wasn’t really “my type,” if you can even consider having a type at that age. He was loud, goofy, and was always cracking jokes with his friends and our teacher, who by the way didn’t really have a bright sense of humor.
Mitch played on the freshman football team at our high school, so by the time the first game came, I knew I had to go. I convinced my group of friends to go to the game with me that Thursday after school. I showed up to the game wearing Mitch’s number drawn on my face with my friends bright blue eyeliner and some green and silver glitter on top, hoping he would notice. We talked after the game which he then invited me to come to his locker so he could gather his book bag and school shoes. Little did I know, he had a crush on me too. He leaned in to kiss my forehead once we got to his locker, and I replied “Thats all I’m going to get?” We kissed and our measly little freshman relationship blossomed. You know the common freshman in high school relationship, we “dated", but we never really went on a date. The relationship ended about a month later, which he still blames on me to this day. Oh well!
After the freshman year break up, three long school years, and two not so good relationships later, Mitch and I started talking again during our senior year. It started off friendly, but then I realized how truly sweet and caring he was. He was never bitter towards me and was always kind and friendly. I really was beginning to like this guy.
November 28, 2013, was the day Mitch and I started ofiicially dating. We knew college was around the corner. He was following his dream and going to The Ohio State University in the fall, and I was going to Kent State University. We just figured we would date until school started and we’d go our separate ways that August. But that wasn’t the case. We fell in love that summer. We didn’t want the relationship to end. He was my best friend and I was his.
Today we have been dating for almost 3 years and are walking, living proof that if you are determined, have trust, and love each other unconditionally, distance means nothing when you’re with the one you love.
Mitchell, I am so blessed to have someone worth missing. As we go into this next school year, I just want you to know that I will miss you but I am so proud of you for following your dreams and getting one step closer to becoming a Veterinarian. Keep following your dreams and shining bright, I’m behind you all the way. You’re my best friend, and my love. I love you so much! Go bucks!
So if you’re reading this, and are about to go into a long distance relationship or are struggling to stay in one, there is hope. It can and will work out, but there needs to be effort by both parties. Don’t give up hope! It’s hard but trust me, it is so worth it!
