Long Distance & Love - A look back
Disclaimer: This blog is an unreleased piece from 2017. It a look into my mindset in regards to my relationship that.. spoiler alert, is still going strong! You may be reading this because you are in a long distance relationship. Let me tell you now, if it is the right person for you, there is hope!
To start off, let me define what a LDR is
... in my words, not from the dictionary.
Definition 1: When you and your significant other live a considerable distance apart. Making it hard for the couple to physically see each other often.
Definition 2: A stressful thing that can also better and strengthen a relationship... or tear it apart.
Definition 3: Sometimes the only choice left in a relationship. But you do it anyway's because you love that person.
How it started
For the past year, my boyfriend Stephen and I have been in an LDR. After my last LDR I told myself I would never go through it again. This time around, we had a mutual and optimistic feeling about going through with it. I remember when we decided to stick out. We had just got back to his place from one of our dates. We were sitting in his room talking and the subject came up (He had decided to go to school in Switzerland right before we started dating. His departure time was approaching us.) It was on both of our minds and we sort of suggested it to each other at the same time. I felt crazy, choosing to repeat history again. But it felt right this time. I may have actually regretted not doing it.
It has it challenges, for sure. But there are perks that come with it. One big one for us being that he's living in Switzerland, sounds like a nice vacay to me!
So what works for us?
We find that good communications is what helps the most. We survive with daily calls, text, and Skype if we can. It makes the distance bearable, but it can be tough sometimes. We have had so many bad connections and dropped calls it can turn a great conversation sour just from the aggravation. But then we take a second to breathe, try to troubleshoot the issue and continue our conversation. Not only does the distance make it hard for us but the time change is worse. Stephen is in a time zone that is seven hours ahead of mine. This is the literal meaning of a long-distance relationship.
There are moments when you feel like time is passing slowly and it will be forever until we see each other. But it's rewarding when you make it through and finally get to spend time together.
We have been looking forward to this summer since he left New Orleans after Valentine’s Day. I wasn't 100% sure I would even be able to visit up until a month before my flight. I now have one week left and I'm hoping time doesn't pass too fast.
Here is to the summer of us, I love you babe!
- Brandy
Do you have any stories about your LDR? What makes it work for you and your significant other and what doesn't work? What are some adventures that being in an DR has put in your path? Comment below and let us know!
