As the horrific years of high school finally come to a long-anticipated close, many lovebirds find themselves debating the future of their coveted young romances. Sweethearts around the country gaze longingly into each others’ eyes and mourn the impending split caused by age, different schools or any variety of other reasons. Many couples, fearing their young love is not strong enough glue to hold them together over distance, find themselves pining out car windows in a cinematic way as they drive off to college toward untold adventures. However, for folks such as myself, the distance is not enough of a deterrent to constitute a break up, and freshmen find themselves thrust into a whirlwind of constant texting, hour-long Skype sessions and (hopefully) frequent weekend visits.
Constant wonder, worry and, unfortunately, jealousy pepper my mind as well as my boyfriend’s, and I’ll admit my sorority membership doesn’t help his nerves when I hit the bars on a Friday night. That’s right folks; I’m in a long-distance relationship, and I’m here to relay my testimony to those tortured by their own pending relationships. Choosing to go long distance with a relationship is hardly ever applauded; in fact, I usually brace for the “eek” face I receive upon relating I am in one. Braving the pity smile and skeptical looks becomes second nature to those of us involved in an LDR, and we learn to smile as if it doesn’t bother us, but secretly we wonder if they’re right.
All the insecurities come out: Maybe we are suffocating ourselves. Maybe we are afraid of trying something new. Maybe we are missing out on the college experience.
Several seconds of doubt pass before we assure ourselves that this relationship is worth it and then snicker at the ignorance of the doubters. The truth of a long-distance relationship is no secret; it definitely sucks. Losing the luxuries of going on dates and seeing each other daily definitely takes its toll, and many couples find this is the main culprit of their romance faltering. On the bright side, the absence of these practices so often taken for granted forces couples to expand their conversations and activities to take advantage of what they retain. When my boyfriend and I get together, we are so excited to see each other we hardly ever stop to sit down, and our time together is full of laughter and excitement. To apply a cliche, absence certainly makes the heart grow fonder, and each visit reinforces my decision to brave the LDR as I return to Gainesville, invigorated from a magnificent weekend. Nothing meaningful comes easily, and the work my boyfriend and I put into our relationship is rewarded ten-fold in the special and passionate bond we share.
If a couple can have implicit trust across thousands of miles, they’ve achieved a level many others never reach. Bottom line: Long distance relationships suck, and I would definitely not encourage couples who are iffy to pursue one. However, for those of us who are prepared to text constantly throughout the day and spend quite a few hours on Skype, the LDR can be successfully executed. Solid relationships are hard to come by, so don’t let yourself throw one away because of a factor like distance. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and I can honestly say it is worth the effort to maintain a relationship you feel is valid. Go for it, lovebirds; it’s definitely worth a shot.
Laura Ellermeyer is a first-year finance major. Her column appear on Tuesdays.
