an ode to long distance relationships.
Long distance relationships, whether their friendships or romantic relationships are difficult. They take a lot of communication, trust, and commitment. It's not like a closer relationship where you can see each other once a week, or 2-3 times a month. Spending quality time with someone is so important to keeping a strong bond between people, but when you live far away each other, it might not be possible to spend that in-person quality time.
Because of that, you have to do other things to keep the bond strong. Texting & video chatting have made things easier to maintain easy communication. I did have one long distance relationship briefly when I was in high school, which obviously didn't last.
Now, I have lots of long-distance friendships. Most of it is due to blogging! I didn't expect that when I started blogging I would have met so many people that I would consider my friend.
There are a few people in particular that I would consider close blogging friends. Cleia (www.alwayscleia.com), Laura (www.thestyleoflaurajane.com), and Melissa (doesn't use her blog much anymore).
I was actually blessed enough to have my friend Melissa, which I had spend over 2 years only messaging, sending snapchats, and video chatting with, come and visit me! I can imagine how nerve wrecking it might have been for her. We had never met in real life, and yet she was crossing the Atlantic Ocean, to visit me.
She came for a week, and I had such an amazing time. It's crazy how someone I had met online, and started a friendship with, became one of my best friends.
After spending a whole week together, it's kind of hard going back to not seeing each other for who knows how long. I wish I could invite her to go out with me, or catch a movie, or just come over to watch some trash televisions.
Instead, we settle for 2 hour long face time conversation, and texting our reactions to other things.
On top of my friendships, I have to make a mention of long distance family members. I have a lot of family in Dominican Republic, a lot of family in Florida, and the my brother (who used to live in Connecticut) is now living in South Carolina. It was so much easier when he was living 3 1/2 hours away, because we could see each other once every other month or so.
Now that he lives closer to 10 hours away, I haven't had the chance to see him since he moved away. My siblings are my best friends, and so it's hard being so far away from him. Yet we make do by texting, and he is in town, I make it a priority to spend as much time as possible with him.
So while this post is about long distance and my experience with them. At the same time, this has kind of turned into an appreciation post to those long distance relationships in my life.
Are any of you in long distance relationships? How do you keep your bond strong with those living furthest away? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always, sending you love, strength, and positivity.
It's amazing how technology has made it easier than ever to stay in contact with people! We are all literally a text message or email away, no more waiting for snail mail.
It can still be hard when friends & family live in different places, it's just not the same texting as it is seeing them in person. My husband's sister lives in Vancouver and we always look forward to holidays when she comes home!
Thank you for mentioning me, I consider you a friend too!!
I know, I don't know what I would do having to wait for a letter or spending tons on long distance calls! Thanks so much for reading and commenting 🙂 x
I've had long distance relationships (and dare I say it, I actually preferred them back then. Lol, **shrugs** I was young.
I ended up moving away from family almost 2 years ago so it was an adjustment. While I am with my other half and no longer doing a long distance relationship with him... I am now faced with being away from all my family and friends. It's been hard seeing people every day to now just texting them almost every day. It's so different.
Anyway, I've found since I started blogging that the community is soo supportive and have actually formed great relationships with some people I've never even met in person! Crazy, how technology has influenced our relationships.. oh goodness I can go on and on.
Your post has inspired me and also made me miss home..excuse me while I go send a whole bunch of 'miss you' texts to friends and family 😛
// Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com
It's so interesting that you enjoyed long distance relationships when you were younger! I wonder why that was?
While it's probably really nice to have your significant other close by, I can imagine how much you miss your family and friends! How often do you get to see them?
When my brother lived two hours away, I saw him monthly! Now that he lives so far away (over 10 hours driving), I haven't been able to see him since, so it's been a huge adjustment.
I hope you see all your friends and family throughout the holidays. Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂 xx
Also Laura and Celia are the best! I absolutely love them! <3
omg, yes, they are some of my nearest and dearest on here!
I LOVE this post! I have made a ton of friends from blogging as well and been so lucky to have met some of them. (including several who came all the way from Britain!) Having moved away (and now moved again) keeping those connections is SO important and I am so blessed and grateful for the friends who continue to cultivate those relationships. <3
Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed this post as much as I have enjoyed writing it! I am so grateful for the people currently in my life (both those close and far). Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂 x
Thank you for the mention! I consider you a close blogging friend as well and if I ever do get round to visiting NY, I'd love to meet in person!
I've had a lot of long-distance relationships - partners, friends, family etc., and I'm just so glad technology had made the communication much easier. It is difficult like you say though - I'm always behind in keeping up with people. I think because my job is being on my laptop all the day, by the time I've posted on social media, I just want to avoid tech and then I forget about replying to people.
Would you ever date someone long-distance again? I don't think I could do it. xxx
Omg yes, and the same for if I ever go to London. (I'm trying to go some time next summer, but that's not for sure yet!).
I don't think I could honestly really date long-distance. I could never say never, but who knows! I am definitely not wishing for it! Thanks so much for reading and commenting Laura xxx