Here’s Why I Still Support Long Distance Relationships, Even Though Mine Didn’t Work
Long distance relationships have played a big role in my romantic history.
My history with dating from afar first started when I moved to a different state during my junior year of high school and my boyfriend and I decided to give the whole long distance thing a shot. Suffice to say, things did not end well, and I decided that LDR were not the business.
Fast-forward two years and many "I refuse to do long distance relationships" later, and I found myself arriving at college with a boy I really cared about back at home, roughly 900 miles away. When I realized that my feelings weren't just going to go away, I reluctantly agreed to give long distance another try. We made it work for about two years, but things started to go downhill until we eventually hit a very painful rock bottom.
Even though this second relationship ended even worse than the first, it actually changed my mind about the usefulness of long distance relationships.
Trust me, I was just as shocked as you are, but scroll below for the reasons why I still support long distance relationships, even though mine didn't work.
It Forces Independence
When you're in a relationship, it's so easy to get caught up in spending all your time with your S.O., causing rifts among your friends and a huge loss of individuality. It makes sense that you want to spend all your time with someone you care about so much, but the positive thing about long distance is that forces both of you to live separate lives. You are both able to cultivate healthy friendships and explore separate interests, and you don't have to feel bad about it! Although being away from your S.O. might not be fun, it allows you to focus more clearly on yourself while still having another person to love and support you.
It Hones Your Communication Skills
Because you are really only able to communicate via phone calls, FaceTime, or text messages, long distance relationships really hone in on your communication skills. Passive aggressive responses and ignoring the problem rarely fly when you're so far apart, so you're forced to talk through your problems and learn how to effectively communicate the things that are bothering you. It also allows you to develop a relationship with your S.O. based on quality conversations, which can sometimes get lost when you are able to spend lots of time together.
It Forces You to Fully Trust Your S.O.
It's easy to say that you trust your significant other when you're in the same place because you are often fully aware of exactly where they are and exactly what they're doing. When you are dating long distance, however, it's just not possible to always know what your partner is up to. This forces you to place all your trust in your S.O, which will make for a healthy, supportive, and strong relationship built on mutual confidence and respect.
It Allows You to Travel
No matter the reason that you and your S.O. are apart, you now have an excuse to travel multiple times a year. Whether you are heading off to see them at their home or meeting in a mutual location, it gives you an excuse to step away from your world for a while and spend some quality time with your person.
You Have a Separate Support System
Friends are so important, but one great thing about having a long distance S.O. is the ability to vent to someone who is separate from your day-to-day life. You never have to worry about your complaints getting back to friends or acquaintances, and your significant other might actually be able to offer some valuable advice because they are viewing the relationship from a third party perspective.
Your Time Together Is All the More Special
Some of the best times in long distance relationships are the moments when you first see your S.O. after being separated for a while. It's exciting and comforting, and it gives you something to look forward to when life is feeling a little too hard. Dating long distance allows you the cherish the moments with your partner, and to try your best to make each minute you spend together special and meaningful.
If you're wondering just how much your significant other cares about you, check out THESE seven subtle things that your S.O. will do if they're madly in love with you.