It is no secret that maintaining a long distance relationship can be extremely stressful and difficult. However, it does not mean that the relationship will ruin your life. On the contrary, if you are in it with the right person and mindset, not only is it possible to have a healthy long distance relationship, but it can blossom into something wonderful.
My boyfriend and I became long distance relationship partners when I had to move away for college. We are now separated by a vast distance that takes about 10 hours of non-stop driving to get to each other. When we first decided to keep seeing each other exclusively despite the distance, we were told by so many people that it was impossible. There were so many comments from negative ones like “Long distance relationships never work out” and “He’ll find someone else” to incredulous ones like “Wow, I’d never be able to do that!” and “I can’t believe you’re doing this!” If I got a dollar for every comment like that, I would be rich!
However, after a year of being in a long distance relationship now, I have come to realize that it is really not that bad. Sure, there have been many times when we fought because of a misunderstanding or I felt sad because he was not around. But there was never a time when I decided to give up on the relationship.
In fact, I believe that the distance has actually improved our relationship. It has strengthened our trust in each other and most importantly, we have never been surer that we have found the right partner for life. Here are the reasons why going into a long distance relationship can be absolutely worth it:
9 Reasons Why Long-Distance Relationships Are Worth It
1. You get some alone time to find yourself
Sometimes, a little time away from your partner can be a good thing. Perhaps you are so used to being together that you might find it hard to be independent. However, it is a great time to figure out who you are as an individual and not just part of a couple. You might even discover new things about yourself that you never knew before. Being able to be on your own can make you into a stronger and healthier person. This does not mean that you do not need your partner anymore. Instead, you become interdependent, which means that you depend on each other while still maintaining your individuality. This sounds to me like a very healthy foundation for any relationship to build on.
2. You will cherish the time you have with your partner so much more
Many close distance couples who have been together for a long time tend to take each other for granted. This will never ever happen in a long distance relationship. Because you understand the pain of not having your partner around, you will treasure each and every second that you spend together. Whether it is physical or online, the time you spend together will be the happiest moments for you. Furthermore, when you do not get to see each other all the time, you have so much more to catch up on when you finally get to talk. Boredom will be the last thing on your mind and just being able to do the smallest things like seeing his face will light up your day. When you are physically together, even just hanging out on the couch has never been so special.
3. Planning a trip to see each other can be so exciting!
When you live far away from your partner, you will need to put in extra effort just to pay each other a visit. While you will probably need to
take long-distance bus rides, drive very far, or even take a flight to get to your partner, it is absolutely worth it. Planning a trip together is always very fun and the anticipation of seeing each other again is the fuel to keep the relationship going. If your partner is visiting you, you will have a great time planning what to do together and showing him or her around your favorite places. If you are the one visiting, just thinking of meeting your sweetheart’s friends and seeing their daily routine will put a smile on your face.
4. There is always something to look forward to
One of the best things about being in a relationship is having that constant feeling of having something to look forward to – usually the next time you meet. Spending holidays and special events together are suddenly a lot more special because they can be such rare occurrences. So, whenever you are feeling down or lonely, you have something positive to focus on and there is nothing like being able to look forward to the next time you meet to make you feel happy again.
5. Parting is such sweet sorrow
Although it is always very difficult to say goodbye, at least you know that it is not forever. It is more like a “see you later” than a real farewell. The time you spend together right before you part can be the most intimate and make for some of the best memories you will ever have of each other. It is also very reassuring to know that your partner will miss you just as much as you will miss them. Nobody likes goodbyes, but without them you will not have that burst of happiness the next time you meet again.
6. You will gain better communication skills
Being in a long distance relationship forces you to be good at communication. Because good communication is such a crucial factor for the success of the relationship, you really have no choice but to work at it. If you are not a good communicator to begin with, working on your long distance relationship through many different platforms (Skype, email, etc.) will improve your communication skills drastically. This is, of course, only possible if your partner is patient and understanding with you.
7. You can prove them wrong!
Remember all the Negative Nancies and Debbie Downers who told you that the relationship would never work out? Well, it is kind of fun to prove them all wrong! Even before my boyfriend and I entered the long distance phase of our relationship, there was so much negativity that sometimes it made me doubt myself. However, after a full year of long distance, we are still together and the relationship is stronger than ever. Probably even better than those naysayers’ relationships and frankly, there is a kind of satisfaction that comes with this knowledge!
8. You will appreciate your partner even more
Not only will you not take your partner for granted, but you will learn to appreciate him or her even more. The unconditional love and support they show you even when you cannot be physically together are irreplaceable. Knowing that no one else can take the place of your partner makes you cherish what you have.
9. You will have a deeper and stronger relationship in the end
Long distance is almost like a test. It is very difficult to maintain and requires a lot of effort from both parties. However, if you are successful at it, it will strengthen the relationship. Not only that, both you and your partner will emerge stronger people with better communication skills.
Being in a long distance relationship is certainly far from easy but if it is with the right person, it will be worth your while. There will be times when you feel like giving up and have doubts, but you will just have to hang in there. The key is learning to communicate in a calm manner so you can solve your problems together.
If you are currently in a steady relationship and heading into a long distance one, do not be afraid. There might be a lot of people advising against it, but
I promise you that it will be worth it in the end should you and your partner be right for each other.
