Why is it that the majority of us have this preconceived notion that long distance relationships are terrible, impossible, unrealistic, etc.? While I can agree that long distance relationships are challenging, I am a firm believer that they have the potential of becoming something extraordinary.

I know it can be frightening to think of entering a long distance relationship. And I can tell you one thing for sure - it will be a lot of work. It’ll test your patience. Some days, it will take all your strength away. Long distance relationships are hard; but every relationship is hard. Let’s face it, no relationship is perfect. Every relationship has its ups and downs. You and your significant other are bound to face challenges or run into obstacles whether you live 5 miles away from each other or 5,808 miles away from each other. BUT the end result is totally worth every little thing in between.

The funny thing about my long distance relationship is that we are not a car, bus, or train ride away - but rather a plane. My other half lives on the other side of the world - across the ocean. It’s interesting to see people’s reaction when I tell them that my fiance lives in Lebanon. I can just see the looks on their faces - like that oh-my-gosh-I’m-so-sorry-I-feel-so-bad-for-you look. That look that says “It must be so hard, how are you managing?” Yes, it’s hard and I miss him everyday more than the one that passed. But, I know that with everyday that goes by we are that much closer to being with each other again. After all, love is love and when you love someone you do anything in your power to keep the relationship strong. I have always believed that if two people are really in love, their relationship can bridge any gap. And as it turns out, being engaged to someone long distance has not only made my heart grow fonder, it has also opened the door to a better understanding of both my significant other and myself.

For one, in a long distance relationship you both become better communicators. With the absence of your significant other, text messages are bound to be interpreted the wrong way. You’re no longer in the presence of each other for you to be able to read one another's facial expressions. So, you both have to learn to explain yourselves, to call each other often and to talk out your differences rather than yelling, giving up, and not solving any problems.

Ultimately, looking at other couples makes you sick. Some days, you simply just can’t stand the sight of couples. You find yourself mumbling comments under your breath at the innocent couples around you. “I hate that you’re eating ice cream together.” “Do you HAVE to hold hands while you walk to class?” You feel as if they are intentionally rubbing it in your face that they are together while your other half is thousands of miles away. It’ll make you jealous, sad and it will drive you mad. But, it’s not their fault and remember, I said long distance relationships are hard.

You will learn a lot of things. For example, when people question whether or not a long distance relationship can work, or just flat out tell you that they never do - you will learn to ignore them because clearly they don’t understand. Forgive them, it’s not their fault. Either they couldn’t handle it or they’ve never been through this before.

You learn to trust. Having your other half live half way across the world requires a significant amount of trust. Different time zones means that when it’s day here, it’s night over there. Thus, without trust, your relationship will face many hardships that could result in the two of you breaking up - and we don't aim for that nor do we want that to happen.

There will be sleepless nights and crying out of nowhere because you miss him/her so much. Some days you will be filled with intense feelings of emptiness. But, believe me, it is still worth it - don’t give up. For all those nights spent crying, there will be phone calls filled with laughter. And day after day of falling in love all over again for the person that stole your heart with “hello,” miles away.

You seriously become a living countdown. Your friends become frustrated at the fact that your status on WhatsApp is something like, “25 days left.” You have a love/hate relationship with the countdown app. It drives you mad. 27 days. 26 days. 25 days, 9 hours, 19 minutes, and 40 seconds. But, once you’ve finally made it to the single digits joy is all you feel. Because that means in 9, 8, 7, 6 days you will be reunited with your other half.

Being in a long distance relationship helps you appreciate the time you have together. You cherish every moment you spend with each other. Although at times you wish you had your significant other closer to you in distance, I believe a lot of us thrive in our relationships because we are not constantly with our other half. Every so often I hear people complain that they’re tired of their significant other - that they spend too much time together and now are bored of each other. I honestly can say that is not the case with long distance relationships because we don’t have the luxury of seeing our loved ones every waking minute of every day.

Despite the odds, if you two really care about one another, the days spent wishing you were together will seem like a silly thing of the past once you’re reunited. Together you can conquer any challenge or obstacle that gets in your way. If you are both committed to making the relationship work nothing and no one can prevent that from happening. The time you spend apart is a chance for you to get to know yourself and your significant other better. It is a chance for you to miss your other half and test the limits of your love for one another. Because to love someone with your whole heart and soul is an indescribable feeling. And even though my other half and I are oceans apart, that does not stop us from loving each other any less.