The Truth About Long Distance Relationships

Nine months ago, I moved from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California for college. Three months prior, I met the love of my life in my hometown. His name is Devin. I fell in love with him weeks after meeting. Our connection was the strongest I had ever felt about anyone in my entire life. He made me feel special and like we were the only two in the world. Being 18, this was all too good to be true. But it wasn't. I felt right in the world. I didn't mean to fall in love with Devin since at the end of the summer I was planning to move two states away. But everything up until the end of the summer told me to spend as much time possible with him and to follow my heart.

Our story began in the summer and everyday was spent with him. It was the best summer of my life and I would never change it. July to September was so fast paced and every day my heart grew more.

At the end of September, as I was packing for my move, we decided we didn't want to stop being with each other. Long distance was the scariest decision for both of us, but we put our doubt to the side and trusted in one another.

Soon enough, I was on my plane to LA and he was still in Seattle. The change didn't set in until I was all settled into my new apartment and I realized he wasn't a car ride away anymore. We FaceTimed every day, sometimes for hours at a time. I missed him so much. From going from seeing someone everyday to never took a toll on me. I was homesick, not only for him, but for my family and friends.

We both were so distraught that we put what money we had together and bought him a plane ticket for the end of October. Seeing him again after a month was so surreal, and I was so happy; it was like no time had passed and we were glued at the hip again. Not only was he my boyfriend, he was my best friend.

Throughout the time I've lived here and not in Seattle, there have been good days and bad days for the both of us. We have both thought about quitting because it's so hard, we have both talked the other one out of it. Care packages, long texts, letters, and more have been exchanged. We memorize each other's schedules so we know when we have time to talk. Although we are both unhappy that the other one is gone, we are still happy to have each other.

Now, nine months since I've moved, and a year since we've met, we are still as strong as we once were. Maybe even stronger. We don't get to see each other frequently, but I am so grateful for the times we do. Money is tight so plane rides back and forth get expensive, and sadly, we are not rich. Since I left, he got his own apartment with his best friend and got a full time job. He pays rent and insurance and other bills, so extra money to travel isn't a thing right now. I have been spending a lot lately since I just went home for my two week summer break. Now, I'm back in LA and I'm just waiting to save more money. I have school and a part time job so it get stressful but I always know that I can call him if I need to rant, cry, vent, or get my mind off anything.

The truth about long distance relationships is that it takes two people who are willing to put in effort for the other person. Time to chat is a need too. People look at the words "long distance" and freak out. Devin and I are lucky to be in the same time zone. But even if we weren't, I know we would make it work.

Everyday, he says "I love you" a thousand times and he means it.

Everyday, he makes it known that he is in it for the long run.

Everyday, my love for him gets bigger and stronger.

In a few months, he plans to move to LA to be with me and attend school. I am so excited for the future with him.

For those of you faced with the decision to try long distance, follow your heart.

No one should be afraid of love, no matter how far.