When I first committed to a long-distance relationship, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My boyfriend had gotten a job down south, and I was tied to my job as a writer in New York City.
Neither of us was in a position to move for the other. We had to make the choice: break up or make it work long-distance.
Breaking up simply was not an option.
I got a lot of grief from my friends and family; they weren’t convinced I could follow through with a commitment of this magnitude.
“How will you make it work?” they asked. “Long-distance is impossible!” they declared. I knew in my heart, however, that no matter how physically distant I was from my boyfriend, our relationship would withstand the challenge.
I couldn’t let him go. I was so very in love. The thought of breaking up felt like my heart was being torn out of my chest; it left me devastated, short of breath.
I had made my decision: I would not give him up; we would give this a chance.
And we did. Because love will always win.
No matter what opinions your loved ones force upon you, have the confidence in yourself that you can cope with the circumstances. You won’t give up because you can’t.
Yes, long-distance relationships are incredibly hard — seemingly impossible, even. You want to give up, but you don’t and you never will because it’s all so worth it. Here’s why:
When you’re together, it’s even more special than usual.
When you finally get to see each other after months of anticipation and excitement, endless Skype conversations and late-night phone calls, nothing else in the world matters.
The feeling is indescribable; it’s like falling in love all over again the moment you embrace.
When you get to spend this time together, it is so precious; you don’t take it for granted. You relish every single detail of your time together because you know it’s fleeting.
It’s exciting and scary and wonderful, all at the same time.
True love cannot be contained by borders.
If you love someone with every fiber of your being, living in two different places will not defeat that love. Distance will not tear you apart because you won’t let it.
Love is the strongest force in the entire world; it penetrates miles, zip codes and state lines. The distance between you may feel like daggers in your heart from time to time, but you know your bond is worth the pain.
You get the chance to explore new places.
One benefit of a long-distance relationship is the opportunity to explore the new territory in which your significant other lives.
There’s an added element to your relationship with the experience of seeing new places and taking spontaneous trips. There is no “getting comfortable” and sticking to your bubble; you have someone special waiting for you.
Your love is one big adventure.
You believe in each other, despite any unwanted circumstance.
You will always believe in your partner and your relationship above all else. The two of you are inseparable; nothing could tear you down.
Sure, it’s hard not having him or her there to cuddle you on lonely nights or to hold your hand through the rough days, but your love would never waiver through the struggles.
You trust each other, and you are steadfast in your belief that you will make it work.
Some space in a relationship keeps things fresh and interesting.
A person needs space; it enables you to enjoy time with friends and get some much-needed “me time.”
When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you’re granted your fair share of space — what can seem like too much space at times. You obviously want to be with your partner, but spending most of your time alone will help you value your independence.
You get the chance to grow as a person.
Bonus: You two will never be that horrible, annoying couple everyone hates. There isn’t any smothering, and that’s a great thing.
The heart will always want what it wants.
The thing is, long-distance relationships are extremely challenging. It’s hard to keep the spark alive when the two of you are so far away from one another. There is no fighting your heart; it will always reign supreme.
You should just embrace it; accept that the situation is difficult and soldier on. If you’re in love, you will make it work.
You’ll be together forever one day.
The two of you will be reunited someday if you want it enough. You just have to believe. You have to think of this as a temporary, sticky situation. You will come out of it on the other end, stronger.
Once the day finally comes when you can be together, you’ll see that all of this was so incredibly worth it. All of the struggles, all of the tears and all of the anxiety will seem like stepping stones, bringing you to this one blissful moment.
