16 Truths No One Tells You About an LDR

It’s officially been two years and some change, since Alex and I first started dating long distance. There have been tears, laughter, and lots of plane tickets along the way. I’ve learned a few things  and thought it would be a good idea to start the 2016 year off sharing 16 (great and not-so-great), truths about long distance relationships.

1. You have a relationship with your phone.

The only way to really spend time together is via phone and/or video chat. Hearing your phone ring or vibrate brings excitement because it may just be your boo calling.

2. Visiting can be complicated and costly.

Whether you commute via plane, train, bus, or car, the cost of visiting each other starts to add up. We buy our tickets ahead of time and use mileage points, but it still ain’t free!

3. It can be REALLY awkward when you visit each other the first few times

To be honest, as much you may connect over the phone and video chat, the first few times your in person it may feel kinda weird. The first time I visited Chicago was AWKWARD. I wasn’t used to having to interact with Alex in person, but after the first hour it felt natural and fun.

 

4. Sadness sucker punches you in the gut during Holidays and/or your Anniversary if you’re not together.

Special days and Holidays are often the hardest times to spend apart! Gifts, phone calls, love letters etc.. are awesome, but nothing can truly replace the time spent in person.

5. Spend time together creatively…no matter how corny it feels.

There’s so much you can do besides just talk on the phone. Don’t let the distance limit you. Play games online, cook a recipe together, watch Netflix, there are so many possibilities!

6. Eventually you get tired of trying to be on fleek every time you Skype

 

In the beginning, I always had on nice outfits and makeup on when I Skyped. My boyfriend once got irritated because I  refused to FaceTime him while I was styling my hair. Eventually I got more comfortable. Some of my friends would say too comfortable. Some days I’m dressed up while video chatting, other days I’m deep conditioning my hair with a shower cap on my head 🙂

7. Sometimes you run out of things to say on the phone

It’s totally normal to run out of things to say on the phone. There’s only so much that happened in your day. This is when playing a game or listening to a podcast together comes in handy.

8. Long distance doesn’t get easier…it gets harder

Contrary to popular belief you never truly get used to being apart form the person, you just learn to cope. The more you fall in love with the person the harder it is to live miles and miles apart. Which is why #9 is so important.

9. Setting short and long term goals is a Must!

Figure out early on what are your mutual hopes and desires for the relationship. How often do you want to visit each other? When do you hope to close the distance?

10. Seeing each other after weeks/months of not being together never loses its excitement.

This is how you will feel on the inside and possibly the out…

11. The time difference can really kick your tuckus.

Finding time to spend together is challenging but totally doable. You can even schedule time together and share a calendar via Google.

12. Arguing over the distance REALLY sucks.

When you’re in a close distance relationship you can argue like the picture above. However, long distance looks more like the one below….

13. You have no sympathy for close distance couples that randomly have to go a week or so without seeing their boo.

Need I say more? Your empathy for close distance couples temporarily separating is non-existent.

14. Even if you’ve been dating over a yr, some people will give you the side eye when you tell them you’re in an LDR.

Some people will just never understand and that’s OK. You know your relationship is great and that’s what matters most

15. A bad internet connection feels like the devil in disguise.

It’s terribly frustrating when you haven’t gotten to talk all day and when you finally can the internet starts acting up!

When you really love someone it’s so worth it!

When you really love someone and you both put in the effort to make it work, it’s worth all the bad internet connection, dropped calls, time apart, cost of travel, and lonely Valentines Day’s. Keep striving towards your goals and growing as a couple. The distance is only temporary…

Inspired by: Support