With Valentines Day just around the corner I decided now was the perfect time to start talking relationships. Well more specifically, long distance ones. The kind of relationship that I find myself in after more than four years together. I used to think these kinds of relationships were only for teenagers. I always assumed that once you were old enough you would be able to move your life to be with who you wanted. Turns out, I was a little naive and anyone, no matter your age or situation can be in a long distance relationship. And when I say long distance relationship I mean the kind where you are a plane ride away which is not affordable to do every weekend nor really every month.
I have now been doing this thing for two and a half months and in that time we’ve spent three weeks together during Christmas/New Year. Despite this it has still been a long two and a half months, where I have learnt a lot about myself and my relationship.
What I’ve Learnt from a Long Distance Relationship
You have to be strong and I am stronger than I’ve realised
Although there are days when I’m not sure I can do this anymore
Keeping to a routine helps to deal with the emptiness and stresses
As does exercise, especially running
I get loneliest in the evenings
My phone has become a ‘life line’
But I read far more in to a text than normal people do
Face timing makes my day, every time
But the sheer panic than I go through when it cuts out, won’t ring back or deliver my texts is awful
As is the disappointment when scheduled Face Times don’t happen – I’ve learnt it’s better to have a brief plan to Face Time but no specific time
I run on two time zones constantly and often find myself texting in the middle of the night when I’ve been asleep for hours
I envy couples who get to see each other everyday/week
And find myself missing JP the most when I’m around other couples
Some days are tougher than others and when I’m are having a bad day it is important to remember there are better days
Counting down the days until we next see each other is everything
As is having the next trip booked to be able to count down the days
It is easier when you can picture what them being at home or work looks like and you have experienced their typical day
It has made our relationship stronger than anything else ever has (and we have worked and lived together 24/7 for three months in Australia)
We appreciate the time we spend together so much more
And are constantly planning nice things we will do with our time when we are together
It is more important than ever to be open about how you feel, the other person isn’t going to guess from your texts nor should they be made to
It is also important to tell each other you love and miss them
This list certainly isn’t exhaustive or complete and I’m sure as time goes on I will continue to learn more things. As it stands I don’t know when the long distance part of our relationship will end, all I know is the next time we will see each other and for how long.
Are you in a long distance relationship? Do you agree with any of these or have any tips to share?
I can only imagine how hard it must be. Hope it’s just a temporary thing and that you can reunite soon <3
Author
Thanks Char X
Hi Jodie,
It was so comforting to read your blog post! My partner and I are doing the long distance love struggle after living together since 2014. We are 2 months in and it is so hard!
I’m glad that I’m not alone in doing any or all of the things that you mentioned….. My phone now seems physically attached to my hand… just incase!
Here’s hoping it gets easier. I for one feel better knowing that there are other couples doing it just as hard and making it work over continents and seas and time zones…. when you love someone you just make it work x
Thanks again,
Stacy
Author
Thanks Stacy, it is good knowing there are other people doing the same thing and making it work 🙂