"How do you do it? Make me feel like I do."
I'm singing along with Brandon Boyd of Incubus as I make my waytoward West Lafayette on Highway 28. The two hour trip is not oneto my home, but to my boyfriend's. We see each other every otherweekend (usually) and have been through this routine for threeyears.
Last year I can remember being envious of Ball State couplesstrolling around campus holding hands, but it seems as if this yearmore people walk alone or with a group of friends. If you aren'tliving the single life or dating someone nearby, you're joiningthose of us who live two, three, or sometimes more states away fromour loved one.
I've heard everything from "long distance relationships rarelywork out" to "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Whatever yourtake is on long distance relationships, there are both pros andcons to being far apart from your significant other.
No relationship is perfect. Arguments are a natural part of theprocess, but with distance between, there tend to be less. Everytime I jump into my boyfriend's arms, it feels like the first timewe met. Seeing each other is cherished because it doesn't happentoo often. Balancing friends, family, school and the other dailyhappenings of life is easier when you aren't five minutes away fromyour boyfriend or girlfriend.
Jason Schall, a senior history education major and close friendof mine, said, "In a long distance relationship, every moment isspecial. It's perhaps more meaningful than a close distancerelationship because everything that you do together, whether it bean exciting night out on the town or simply doing laundry, is aspecial moment to be remembered."
However, long distance relationships are not always fun andgames. Trust is a major issue. With separate lives here and there,can you trust each other to stay faithful and honest? Faithfulnessand honesty help determine whether the relationship is capable oftaking a step further.
My last bit of advice is not to rush into a relationship,whether it be long distance or nearby. Rushing can lead to thatdecline of interest. Make sure you are both willing to set asidetime for each other and figure out fun things to do. If you livefar apart, introduce each other to the fun things in your town.Thanks to my boyfriend, I know part of the Purdue University campusand the attractions within. I've grown to love the LovShack and itsdelicious calzones and Triple XXX, a small diner with excellentbreakfast and sundaes.
Remember also that being single has its perks. Don't read thisand automatically rush to West Lafayette to find a boyfriend orgirlfriend. Let it happen. The joys of life come to those who waitand have patience. Before I have the urge to conclude with a "DearAbby" signature, I have one last thing to say. Although longdistance love can be a pain in the rear, it can be the best time ofyour life.
Write to Kara at
karabara84@hotmail.com
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