{long distance loving}

I have another special story in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series for you today! This one features Sean and Mariel {from Mariel's Window}, a couple learning to navigate the separation created by work and school--one I was all too familiar with when {cv} and I first began our long distance years. This couple has really learned to see on the sunny side of their long distance :) Read on to find out more!

Name: Mariel
Significant Other's Name: Sean

When did you start dating? We started dating in April of 2009.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? Even though Sean and I went to the same boarding school in high school, we didn't start dating until two years after he graduated. By then, I was going to school 241 miles away. After a couple visits from him, a few trips back home by me, and countless hours on the phone, we just knew. Hello long distance!

How do you fill your days while you're apart? Since I've been working on my premed degree for the last three years, school keeps me pretty busy. Sean works full time at the hospital in his city, so work fills most of his days. We always time for late phone calls and Skype dates in our schedules. They are definitely my favorite part of the day!

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? What's really hard for me is not being able experience the "little things" together--like cooking dinner, going to the grocery store, or watching our favorite TV show.

How has long distance changed your relationship? The distance has taught us not to take a single moment together for granted and to truly listen to one another.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? EVERYTHING. There is always so much catching up to do.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? After graduation I will be moving to Madison (Sean's city) for med school and then we will be only minutes away from each other. It is an understatement to say that we’re both extremely excited! :)

I always admire couples who realize that their hard work {in school, at work, and in their relationship!} will eventually pay off. Enjoy your Wednesday--and be sure to send some love Mariel's way!