I live in Southern California and he goes to school in New York.

After over four months without seeing my boyfriend I finally flew to New York to reunite with him. There are days when missing him is too painful and I wish we could be in the same state. Though long distance relationships are hard, but they are worth it in the end.

GROWING STRONGER

Long distance relationships provide opportunities for couples to grow stronger both together and individually. The couples are more likely to share meaningful thoughts and feelings, and therefore, experience a deeper sense of emotional intimacy, according to one study of 63 college students conducted at Cornell University. One of the best advantages of a long distance relationship is being able to have your own friends, social life, school and extracurricular activities. In other words, you are able to discover who you are as a person separate from your significant other.

Being in a long distance relationship helps me to realize that my life is fuller and more blessed when I have the support of friends and family at home. When you have a significant other hours away, it challenges you to get a sense of independence and learn to take any difficulty life can throw at you. Relationships require a lot of compromise and sacrifice, so if you or someone you know is about to start a long distance relationship, keep in mind that patience and strength are key.

NOT FOR EVERYONE

Although long distance relationships are rewarding, they are not for everyone. They are doable with someone you can easily trust, respect and communicate with.

Junior anthropology major Kristyna Hughes has been in a long distance relationship for almost a year and a half.

“I believe that long distance relationships are not easy but worth it for the right person.” Hughes said.

Hughes can see herself and her boyfriend getting married after they graduate. She thinks that if you aren’t looking to do that, dating long distance wouldn’t be possible. Marriage is a great thing to look forward to at the end of dating someone long distance. It is like a light at the end of the tunnel that helps make the journey a little more worthwhile.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Senior studio arts major Hannah Garretson has been married to her military husband since April of last year. They started out long distance and still endure it about every few months.  “I would make sure to remember that communication is key and it’s important to be respectful of the other person’s life that they are living,” advises Garretson.

Long distance relationships provide wonderful opportunities for couples to discover who they are, make new friends and grow stronger together. If you are with a person who can make the hard days worthwhile and the happy days something to look forward to, long distance is possible. I know from my personal experience, even though technology helps us get through four months of separation, God’s love and guidance are ultimately keeping us strong and proving to us that anything is possible with Him.