I’ve been in a long distance relationship with my beautiful, wonderful girlfriend for two years now, and together for a total of three years. And I have to say, it sucks. Not the relationship (I love my girl), but being apart for so long is truly terrible. Being without your person at college is the worst. I am constantly missing the one person who is so dear and close to my heart.
We’ve been together for three years, so there was always an understanding that long distance was a possibility. When we got together as seniors in high school, we were always aware that being apart was inevitable. Knowing didn’t make it any easier. So much stress, many tears, and a crazy amount of anxiety about how we would cope.
Being apart is so difficult. I am missing my permanent buddy and the person I do everything with. College is full of new experiences, but there’s still a huge part of me wishing she were there to share them with me.
Now that we’ve been long distance for two years, it isn’t any easier, but I feel like we’ve adjusted. Watching movies together on the couch has become pressing play at the same time and hoping it lines up. Dinner dates are over FaceTime, flowers get sent through the mail, and we call as we walk home from classes.
I love my university, and I love being here, but I look forward to summer the most. Summer means driving three minutes down the road to see her whenever I want, instead of counting down days.
It’s the little things I miss the most. Sunrises at the beach, spontaneous runs to our favorite coffee spot, and the occasional (okay, frequent) trips to satisfy a Froyo craving. Sitting in the car together. Laughing about something silly. Just existing in the same space.
All of it feels bigger when you’ve gone so long without it.
Long distance hasn’t gotten easier. But we’ve changed and adapted, finding new ways to connect by modifying our in-person routines. We love each other intentionally, without a reliance on convenience, choosing each other over and over again.
Summer is almost here, and I know I’ll miss my school, but I cannot wait to be home. I cannot wait to see her again.