That countdown so anticipated…seems to fly by in moments.
Whether the countdown begins at 75 days, or 150 days it seems so long, and the
day you arrive to visit your long distance love, the time speeds up, and it’s
as if in no time, you are back on a plane headed home. Last week, Matthew and I
had to say goodbye to each other after a month of being together, and growing
more in our relationship.
Every time I visit him, my love for him grows. I know it
seems impossible because we are so in love now, but it’s true. Because of the
distance, seeing each other again, and spending valuable time together just
validates our love for one another. But the emotions felt the day it is time to
leave, and for weeks after coming back, is like no other feeling in the world.
Zipping up the suitcase….loading it into the car….the ride
to the airport…that last meal together….and lastly, standing at the US
pre-clearance area knowing that we must say goodbye, and go our separate ways
is the worst feeling. It’s a feeling that can’t be described. But if I had to
describe it, I would say it feels as if every ounce of strength is leaving my
body, and I feel numb. No couple is meant to be split apart, and having to say
goodbye, reopens emotional wounds that have barely healed from the last time we
had to say goodbye. Men always seem to handle it better, but everyone deals
with emotions in different ways, and the truth is that it is not easy on
anyone. But there are ways to deal with the goodbye, and I will explain those
things, as well as giving an update on Matthew, Jacqui, and I.
Always have your closest friends to be there for you when
coming back after spending time with your other half. I’m thankful to have my
best friends like Rachel and Sia here for me when I get back. I also have friends
who keep me going when I come back, even if they aren’t close. I have recently
reconnected with an old friend named Anissa who texted me to check up on me,
and she and I chat, and it helps to keep my mind off the fact that Matthew and
I aren’t together. And of course, Matthew is my main source of support as well
as Jacqui, his mother. However, as odd as it may sound, sometimes seeing him on
FaceTime makes it worse, because I know I can’t be there with him in person.
But definitely having friends around for support is what gets me through, and
will hopefully help anyone else out who may be in a long distance relationship.
Keep yourself busy! When coming back after spending time
with your long distance love, it is very important to keep yourself busy, and
mind off of the sad stuff. Often times, depression sits in, and the thought of
going out to the mall or movies doesn’t seem like a great idea, but in reality,
it does wonders and keeps me distracted. I would love for you guys who are in a
long distance relationship to share with me what you do to keep yourself busy
when coming back. I also got a journal for Christmas where I can share things
about Matthew and I, and our relationship, and it brings me back to all the
positive things in our relationship.
Good morning and goodnight texts. It is always important to
remain in close communication with your boyfriend or girlfriend after leaving
them. If you think about it, you are going from being together every day and
night, to being totally separated from each other. Therefore, it is important
to keep in close contact, talk about each other’s day, and FaceTime or Skype
whenever possible. When coming back, the smallest things set me off (sadness
wise) and a skipped FaceTime date is one of them. But unfortunately it is sometimes
difficult to fit it in every night, especially with work schedules.
Start a new countdown! Well, Matthew and I weren’t supposed
to be together again until June. But why put yourself through the emotional
pain, when you can see your loved one sooner rather than later. I will be
seeing him in 60 days, March 20th for a week and a half. Making
trips to see your boyfriend or girlfriend as much as possible is really
important. So always save money so you can make the trips to go see him or her.
Or, if they can come visit you, trade off!
These tips help me, and remember the most important, always
keep in close communication. Matthew and I are doing really well. Falling more
in love everyday, and although I’m still in college, and will be for two years,
I know we are at that point in our relationship where we are ready to be
engaged. When you know, you know. But it has to be the right time for both of
us, and when other financial things have to be taken care of, etc…it’s
important to get that taken care of. I will hopefully be studying abroad in
Canada starting in June for seven months, and Matthew moved into a gorgeous
neighborhood in Calgary, is transferring to a closer Starbucks, and is in the
process of becoming a “shift” which puts him closer to becoming an assistant
store manager. I’m so proud of him. Jacqui, is hoping to go back to college as
well to become a health care aid, so one day, we can all be in Calgary
together. It’s all up to God at this point and all we can do is pray. Thank you
so much to those who read the blog, and I look forward to updating you
throughout the upcoming months.
