It's definitely not the easiest or the most fun thing to do in the world, but it does have some upsides. You are either all in or all out when it comes to long distance relationships (LDR). It can be hard to get in relationship with someone especially if you know ahead of time that it will be long distance. It takes a toll on you to know you will only be able to communicate with your boyfriend / girlfriend through text messages, pictures, FaceTime or phone calls.
Yes, distance is hard regardless if they are 200 or 2,000 miles away, but it's worth it. You learn so much about yourself and your boyfriend/girlfriend during the period of time that you aren't physically together. As much as I want my boyfriend with me, I wouldn't change being in a LDR for anything.
To me, there are several reasons why a long distance relationship is worth it.
1. It will make your relationship stronger.
I truly believe that there a few things harder that a couple goes through besides distance. The constant wondering can be enough to drive someone crazy. The feeling of missing them and not being able to do anything about it is the worst feeling ever. They will always pull you through and assure you that everything is OK and that there's nothing to worry about. The trust that is formed when you are away from each other strengthens your relationship so much and in ways that you never thought possible.
2. You realize how lucky you actually are.
Being away from your partner for periods of time makes you realize just how lucky you are. You realize how blessed you are to have them, too. The saying, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," is so true. When they aren't there, you realize all the little things they did and begin to miss them. It's the little things in a relationship that make you realize just how lucky and blessed you are.
3. You learn to cherish the time you have together.
Since you can only see each other for periods of time before one of you have to leave, you start to really cherish the time you get to spend together. You learn to make the most of the time spent together. Every moment spent together becomes so special, and before you started the long distance, you never realized just how special it was. Through it all, your time together becomes so exciting and so much more fun because you both realize how meaningful it is.
4. It tests your ability to make it through hardships.
Being in a LDR is one of the hardest things that I have ever been through. It honestly tests the legitimacy of your relationship. You have to make it weeks or even months without seeing your partner. Both you and your partner make new friends and adjustments. You learn that arguments will happen over the phone and even through text messages. The distance may come for months at a time or it may be year round. Regardless, distance is hard, but it can be done. If you can get through all of this with success, then you, my dear, can do anything.
5. It's nice to find yourself as an individual.
When you are in a LDR, you learn to be independent when your partner isn't around. Now understand me when I say that even though your partner isn't there physically, they are still there for you. They are just there for you in different ways. Being independent can also help you become interdependent. (Interdependence is when two people can completely depend on one another while maintaining their individuality). To me, interdependence sounds like a healthy basis for a relationship. It's nice being on your own so you truly find yourself. You also learn that you can survive on your own, but it's so much better having your partner to do life with. It's so nice when you find yourself as an individual being with your boyfriend / girlfriend again, and it will make you realize just how much they are there for you when you need them the most.
6. "Goodbye," and, "See you later," aren't forever.
Nobody likes to say, "Goodbye," or, "See you later," especially when you say it the person you like or love. It's comforting to know that the rough partings aren't forever and that one day you and partner will be back together. Reminding myself that they aren't forever, makes saying them a little easier.
7. Your communication skills improve with distance.
Communication is key in any relationship, but especially in long distance ones. It becomes more meaningful. FaceTime is so important. Phone calls are important, too, because for the time being, they are the only things keeping the relationship together. Communication in a long distance relationship helps you feel connected to your boyfriend/girlfriend. When you get to communicate during the day, you can get caught up on what is going on in your partner's life. You can also have daily vent sessions, gossip sessions or even daily laughs with each other. That time will quickly become your favorite time of the day.
So to all my long distance lovers, whether your boyfriend or girlfriend is two hours away, 13 hours away or overseas, I will leave you with this:
"When two hearts are meant for each other, no distance is too far, no time too long and no other love can break them apart."
