So You're in a Long-Distance Relationship?
By: Megan Grossi
Maybe your high school sweetheart went to a different college after you graduated. Maybe your partner is in the military. Maybe you met online. Maybe you fell in love with somebody only to transfer to a college that is 750 miles away. I feel your pain. But don’t worry, it’s not all bad! Here are some amazing pros and tough cons about being in a long-distance relationship.
Pros:
Seeing your partner again is the best feeling ever.
Every moment is more special, no matter how mundane.
You learn to communicate better – that’s right, no silent treatment.
The bond between you only grows stronger.
You can censor angry words before you say them.
You both figure out how much you want to invest in each other.
Having romantic letters/texts to save and reread.
You adjust to each other, but still have that “honeymoon feeling” when you reunite.
Your faith and trust in each other strengthens.
Getting surprise gifts in the mail.
The anticipation of visiting each other.
Somebody is cheering you on, no matter how far.
Having more alone time when you’re together.
Bonding with people who are also in long-distance relationships.
You’re more inspired to do cliché, couple activities.
Eventually, visits can just be laying around the house all day.
Cons:
Not being with the person you love.
Sometimes all you really need is a hug, not a text.
When your friend says, “I can’t believe I can’t see my partner for a whole week!”
When your coworker says, “I don’t get to celebrate Valentine’s Day because I’ll be here.”
Waiting for them to write/text back.
The bed is colder.
A stuffed animal is not warm and will not hug you back.
The closer a visit gets, the slower time moves.
You don’t have anybody special to come home to.
You can never have enough time together.
Saying good-bye.
Paying for train/plane tickets.
Not getting to do cliché, couple activities.
You’re expected to do something interesting when you visit.
You don’t feel as safe without them.
If your sweetheart is far away this Valentine’s Day, stay positive and remember that it won’t be like this forever. Check out this rad website for tips on how to keep your chin up, activities that you and your partner can do while apart, a chat forum to talk about your struggle, and Love-knows-no-distance matching bracelets: http://lovingfromadistance.com/