Long distance relationship.

Did you cringe at the phrase? Most people do.

In today's society, long distance relationships are presumed to be failures before they even get the chance. Why do we, as a society, assume a LDR (long distance relationship) is not going to work? Maybe because they are hard? Because they can instill doubt, reveal insecurities and are altogether a lot of work.

We always hear about the horrors and sad stories that result of LDRs, but what about the positive things that come from them? Have you ever stopped to think that maybe it could actually work out for a couple?

I found I would take for granted all the little things when I was close to my other half. The movies we would watch that I never understood, I now miss because it was something we would do together. I miss the forehead kisses that I never thought twice about until I no longer got one each night. I used to take for granted the things I came so accustom to but have now learned to cherish.

I constantly hear the question "How can you trust them if you don't know what they are doing?"

... Really? Trust. It's called trust people. I don't need to know where my significant other is every second of every day. I don't need to know who he is talking to or hanging out with every afternoon. Trust. I trust my significant other. He has never given me a reason not to. You can't have a healthy relationship without trust.

Another question I often get asked is how much we talk to each other. Most people are surprised that my answer is not that much. We aren't constantly texting each other every hour of the day, we don't talk each night on the phone, but we talk. Communication is something that has to strengthen in a LDR. we have learned the importance of listening to each other on bad days because we can't give a hug or shoulder to cry on. We have learned to express our feelings (positive or negative) in a way that won't be misinterpreted.

The thing I was most surprised to find in my long distance relationship, was respect. I have come to respect time with my other half. Respect time with myself. I respect all the work he does and all the things he gives up to spend even just a short moment with me. I have respect for him not standing in the way of my goals, but encouraging and supporting me in everything I chose and vise versa. I have a new found respect for our friendship and the stupid jokes I say I hate but secretly love.

Long distance is hard, yes. But it can be extremely eye-opening and even beneficial in some ways. Going on four years with my boyfriend, I can say I have learned to cherish each moment, and never take for granted the forehead kisses, annoying stories or snort-filled laughter. when you're in a LDR you learn to communicate and really enjoy your significant other's time. You find respect in the strangest of places.

So before you cringe at someone in a long distance relationship, think of the positives that could come of it.