Long distance relationships aren't the easiest thing to ever enter into, and often distance is what keeps people from getting into relationships in the first place. But there are a lot of positive things that can come out of being in a relationship with someone who is hours, states or even countries away from you. Here are a few things I learned

You treasure the little things.

Often, people who get to see their significant other every day don’t really appreciate those quiet moments where you guys are just sitting around watching TV, listening to music or even taking a quick nap. When you only get to experience those moments every few weeks or months, they became some of your fondest memories

Music becomes of way of feeling closer than you are.

Maybe it’s just me, but when your boy/girlfriend shows you a song and they say “This makes me think of you,” you suddenly have a deep emotional connection to the song. Every time that song comes up on your radio, or on your workout, you get a chill. You can remember the exact moment they showed you that song, and can almost hear their voice in your head

A lot of plans won’t happen, as much as you try to make it so.

You’ll try to plan visits, vacations and even Skype dates, and with the different schedules, sometimes it just won’t work out. You have to make sure you don’t get too devastated when plans fall through. It’s not anyone's fault. Distance doesn’t let anything be as perfect as we’d like it to.

Holidays are key.

Holidays may be the only definite you can plan for. Who’s going where, what plane, what date. Use holidays as a way for your significant other to experience your hometown and meet your family. It’s also a perfect way to get some one-on-one time, without all the school and work commitments getting in the way.

And most importantly…

“Love don’t know what distance is.”

This last point was inspired by my favorite Hunter Hayes song ever. And the line is so true. Distance can be hours, days, miles or cities away. But long-distance relationships aren’t for the faint of heart. Trust, communication, love and compassion will be tested, and there will be times when you will think about how easy it would be if you were closer together. But that’s not how it was meant to be. You were given this difficult task because God, or the universe or whatever you believe in, knew it was something you could handle. So believe in yourself, your significant other and your relationship. Cherish the moments you have and realize how much stronger you will be after the distance is only a distant memory.