Since I was young, I knew in my heart that I was going to end up alone with multiple cats, and I was ecstatic. But at 12 you don’t know what you will be doing at 22. Jump forward 10 years and I am not single, nor do I own a cat, but I am involved in something much worse: a long distance relationship. Hearing this word makes me cringe. Hearing this word should make anyone cringe because a long distance relationship might be one of the best worst things on the planet. I have learned a lot while being in this relationship, and I hope that some people will find what I have to say helpful.
Being in a long distance relationship has shown me that I can be very independent. As easy as it is to just call for your boyfriend to come help you hang up lights, pictures, etc. now I have had the opportunity to do this and much more all by myself. Being independent from a guy doesn’t only apply to room decorating; I put more responsibility on myself to motivate me to go to the library, go to the gym, study and more. I do not need a guy around me all the time to tell me what I am doing is okay or that I am doing a great job. I love my boyfriend and when I get to see him it is the best feeling in the world, but being able to rely on only myself and nobody else is also a wonderful feeling.
Being in a long distance relationship has helped me find who my true friends are. I do not go out to parties as much as I used to, and this often puts a strain on relationships with friends. It may be a mixture between coming back from being abroad and the new relationship, but I have found that my true friends are those willing to stay in and not push me to go out to a fraternity on a Friday night. Call me crazy, but I would much rather take a night in over a testosterone and sexual tension-fueled evening of high fives and fist bumps. Many girls find this thrilling, and because of this I have found myself thinking about who my true friends are. I still have many friends, but not so many that would pick up Chinese food for a movie instead of a Wells Wednesday. These true friends help me get over the hurdles that I face everyday, but I am so happy I get to be with women that support me and want me to be the happiest I can be.
Being in a long distance relationship makes you appreciate all the time you have together, no matter how little. From the beginning of our relationship I knew that I wouldn’t be seeing him as often as other couples get to see each other. 1,300 miles is a lot of distance, but we have made it work. Seeing him might not happen as often as either of us would like, but when we do get to see each other, we make the most of it. Many people do not believe in long distance relationships, but I believe that I can prove them wrong.