Invaluable Lessons You Can Learn from a Long Distance Relationship

Long distance relationships are not for everyone. However, most people don’t end up in long distance relationships by choice. Whatever the circumstances may be—whether your family moves, you leave for school, or a job takes you away from your significant other—there are many lessons you can learn from a long distance relationship that will be beneficial to you for the rest of your life. Long distance relationships teach you to appreciate the time together that most others get every day and may not value so much. This distance puts things in perspective and makes you evaluate who you are as an individual. While the lessons you learn from long distance relationships may not be easy, they are invaluable to your character. Here are some things a long distance relationship teaches.

One of the most important overarching lessons you can learn from a long distance relationship is how to have both patience and hope. You will realize in your long distance relationship that the time together is greatly outweighed by the time spent apart. Every day, you will find yourself frustrated by the fact that your life is always spent waiting—waiting for text messages, Skype dates, or the next flight across the country. It’s not an easy way to live. But through all of this, your relationship teaches patience. You will learn to work through the hardest times with your significant other and be even more hopeful for what’s to come.

Can you even imagine how couples managed to make a long distance relationship work before technology came into the picture? Without daily Skype dates and constant text messages, long distance relationships would be almost impossible. Another invaluable lesson you can learn from a long distance relationship is not only how important technology is, but how to use it correctly and how to cherish it. While Skype dates and Facetime make long distance easier, it’s also important to appreciate these moments with your significant other and use this small amount of time to really talk about important things together. Couples who have learned to appreciate this time together are the ones who last regardless of their distance.

Also, when it comes to text messages, it’s not always easy to interpret someone’s tone of voice through text, which can lead to everyday fights. Especially with the increased tension of distance, it is helpful to keep your patience in mind when using technology with your long distance partner and remember how lucky you are to have this easy form of communication from so far away. These small lessons will keep you sane.

We all know how important trust is in every relationship, however, one of the greatest lessons you can learn from a long distance relationship is the unbelievable power of trust. Trust is more difficult than ever when you find yourself thousands of miles away from your significant other for a large amount of time. You have no idea what they are doing every day or who they are with. You must decide to trust that they are telling you the truth. You have no other choice. Long distance relationships teach you just how strong-willed you really are. If you and your significant other can trust one another throughout the course of your long distance relationship, you two can undoubtedly outlast any struggle you may face once you are reunited again.

Another invaluable lesson you can learn from a long distance relationship is just how much you can love another human being. Aside from family members who you love instantly, this relationship is the first love you have chosen on your own. Nothing tests your capacity to love more than distance can. If your relationship fails immediately, it may show that you and this person were not meant to be or the love was not as deep as you originally thought. But if you and your partner can outlast the distance and get through every day with all the struggles that come, that’s when you will know your love for each other is real.

Having your own identity while in a relationship is an important lesson you can learn from a long distance relationship that many people don’t get the chance to learn when their partner is nearby. Many people fall into the trap of spending all their time with their partner and losing their identity in the process. This is an extremely unhealthy cycle because if you lose your identity, you will never be truly happy. You need to learn to appreciate your alone time and time with friends just as much as you appreciate time spent with your partner. It’s all about balance. Being in a long distance relationship teaches you to have your own identity because you are forced to spend time away from your partner.

Get creative.

When in a long distance relationship, you’re going to have to get creative to keep the spark there. Whether you spice things up through a webcam, send fun gifts through the mail, write handwritten love letters, or surprise your significant other with an impromptu visit in person, be sure to keep the relationship lively and always keep them on their toes. If you're struggling with inspiration—or funds—don't worry, there are plenty of date ideas that won't break the bank. This way, they will never feel bored or forget you no matter how much distance keeps you apart.

You'll mature faster.

A big lesson that long distance relationships can teach you is how fast you will need to mature. It takes two adults to be able to make a long distance relationship work effectively. Immature people will not be able to communicate, trust, and deal with the many struggles that come along with long distance. Whether you like it or not, long distance relationships will test your sanity and your maturity all in one. But, if you can pass that test, you'll find you've reached a pure, mature love with your partner.

You'll sense things quicker.

Surprisingly, when you are apart from someone and in a long distance relationship, your senses go into overdrive. One lesson that a long distance relationship can teach you is that you are more in touch with your senses than ever before. You will be able to sense when your partner is having a bad day, when they are excited about something, or when they are mad. You will get to know them on a much deeper level because your relationship becomes more than just physical. This can be beneficial in the long run for when you do get to reunite again.

Listen to your instincts.

One super important lesson that long distance relationships can teach you, and should teach you, is to always listen to your instincts. If you find that you are staying in a long distance relationship even when you are unhappy because you feel stuck, be true to yourself, listen to your instincts, and find a way to get out. Don’t stay in a relationship just out of habit. But also, don’t get out of a relationship just because it is hard. Ask yourself, are you with your soulmate? If the answer is yes, it will be worth the hard work. Above all else, do what is best for you and listen to your heart.

Lastly, one of the most important lessons you can learn from a long distance relationship is how important it is when in a long distance relationship to make the effort to see each other in person. No matter how good you both are at communicating through Skype dates and text messages, spending time together face to face is crucial. If you are not willing to spend the money, take the necessary amount of time away, or make the effort, then long distance may not be right for you. If there’s anything long distance relationships teach you, it’s that being in person is 100 percent more enjoyable. You will learn to appreciate the precious moments you get together and you will never take it for granted. Every moment counts.

If you and your significant other are dealing with long distance now or are considering making it work in the future, don’t fret. Stick it out if you truly love each other. It can be done and it can teach you many invaluable lessons. Distance is no match for love in the end, and if you wait long enough, love always brings the right people back to one another.