“Long distance” is more of a buzzword than anything else right now. It’s thrown around as a hot topic for meme compilations and cheesy airport photos, but in actuality there’s more to it than is commonly understood. There’s a lot of dramatization to long distance relationships- like there is any time someone’s trying to describe love; but, that’s created some misconceptions.

Long distance isn’t all crying or long-lingering airport kisses. Is there crying? Oh yes. Are there long-lingering airport kisses? Double yes. But, there’s also curse-filled, giggling gaming sessions, three hour Skype calls, snot and a strange, unique kind of romance.

There’s no doubt or question, long distance is hard. Long distance sucks. The distance forces one to adapt. The relationship isn’t like a regular one, and to try to make a long distance relationship mimic a regular one is, I think, one of the misconceptions and mistake that happen.

What’s the worst part? It’s not the strange, alien type of relationship, but rather the constant flux. There’s a sort of roller coaster in long distance between being together for a visit reaching a peak of cheer, then the plummet at goodbye, to the middle ground of being apart. On any given day, the distance can mount up and become threatening again, other days it’s like nothing is wrong.

On the flip side, there’s so many unique aspects that make it all worth it if the couple really dives in and rises up to the challenge. Being apart, there’s an element of romance. The era of love letters is gone, but long distance provides an extra reason to revive it. The chance for creativity and expression is rich, if one only chooses to partake in it.

Long distance forces one to learn how to talk, about everything. Without communication, the relationship will crumble. There’s no secret body language to spot when one person is mad, no slamming of doors, no physical, visible ways to spot when speaking through a microphone, typing an email, or Skyping; instead, words have to actually communicate what’s going on.

Lastly, long distance forces each participant to learn how to be on their own, even as their with the other person. They are forced to develop hobbies, work at their own job, focus on their education--whatever it is that they’ll do. They do it while also holding a relationship so when the two come together, they are both rich versions of themselves.

The long and short? Long distance is rough. Yes, it has some, often ignored, special qualities but those alone aren’t worth it. Without the right person, it’s not worth the challenge, but with the right one? It’s not even a question.