What I’ve Learnt from a Long Distance Relationship

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.