College dating and high school dating are two different worlds, and couples who got together in high school know this well, especially the couples who had to go their own ways for school after graduation. It's not easy, in fact, it's probably one of the hardest things some people have to go through, but it's definitely a valuable lesson.

My boyfriend and I got together the day after prom our senior year. Super helpful right? If we had both confessed earlier, we could've been together way before prom, but that's not my point. I was scared. We both chose our schools, mine is just a few hours from home and his being far on the East Coast. We only had the summer together and I didn't know how I would be able to survive being so far away from him, but he wanted to make it work, and so I decided I wanted to make it work too. I will admit that even after a little over a year and a half, it's still a struggle sometimes. I had never had a long-distance relationship with anyone before, just a friend or a boyfriend. When we both went to school our freshman year, I thought it was going to be a breeze. We Facetimed almost every night and sent each other gifts often…but I began to realize that it isn't as easy as I told myself it was going to be.

When our breaks rolled around though, it was absolute heaven for me. I got to see my boyfriend in person and actually hug him instead of just talking on the other side of a screen. It made me feel thankful I got to spend time with him in person, but my time was limited in college unlike high school, where I got to see him every day. This was a complete reality check for me, it still is sometimes.

Being in a long-distance relationship can test your patience to a whole different level. It can drive you crazy when there might be an issue that's better to talk in person, or when you are having a serious breakdown because they can't be there with you. I've never missed getting a hug from someone so much before. Having someone that will gladly try to work things out and talk about problems is someone that you need to hold onto and not let go of, those are rare and special people. I'm always the one that needs a good cry to get the stress out, but my boyfriend is always the level-headed person that will work things out, and I'm so thankful that I have him.

It still takes me a few days to get used to the distance after a break, but when I do have time with him, I try to spend as much time as I can, whether it's making pizza or going to the city. Our relationship has certainly made me more thankful for the things I have in life because I might only get a certain amount of time with someone or something before it leaves again.

All in all, being in a long-distance relationship is full of many struggles, but you learn from those struggles. Facetime is your best friend, sending surprise gifts is the best, and the time you get in person with your partner can make you appreciate things a little bit better.