italian sweethearts.

Greetings from Nashville! {cv} and I are enjoying a few days of family and fun here before hopping up to Indiana for New Year's. With family in mind, I have three ladies standing in for me this week--I'll be back to normal programming next week :) Friday's Fancies is most definitely still happening as planned, so don't fret! 

 Today, I have the story of Manu and Marissa {from the boot} and it is a tale which brings the idea of soulmates to life. Thanks to the blog world, I count Marissa as a real-life friend, so I'm even more excited to share their sweet story. Marissa and Manu met while she studied abroad in Italy {hello amazing?!} and she now calls the boot of Italy home! They learned how to make long distance work--and now use those skills every summer as she journeys back to the States to see her family for a few months. Keep reading...

Name: Marissa

Significant Other's Name: Manu

When did you start dating? January 2007

At what point did you begin dating long distance? July 2007. I had finished my year of study abroad and it was time to go back to the States. It was a tragic separation because we didn’t know when we’d see each other again. A year went by and when I finished school, I practically ran to Italy to see him! I ended up moving there and now (thankfully) we are only apart during the summer.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? Everything seems brighter when it is summertime, so I fill my days with beaching, boating and having fun dinner parties with my friends and family. The blog also keeps me pretty occupied! Since I know my time is limited at home, I try to take advantage of every moment and not dwell on the fact that I am not with Manu. He is so good at calling, emailing and writing that it feels like he is around most of the time anyway! 

What did you find most difficult about being long distance? The worst part for me is when I’m out with friends or out to dinner and I see other couples holding hands or sharing a little joke. Those are the times when I feel the pang in my heart and the longing for Manu. I find the goodbye even more difficult. I hate airports and that slow separation at the gate. I could cry right now just thinking about it! 

How has long distance changed your relationship? Our time apart has made me realize how profound our love really is, as cheesy as that sounds. We could have easily broken up and found partners in our respective countries, but having gone the distance, we know that we are each other’s soul mate. This has made us more respectful, more loyal and more patient than ever. 

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? Everything. He makes me laugh more than anyone I know and we have so many little jokes and really just have fun together, no matter what we’re doing.

What sacrifices have you made in order to make things work? Leaving home was a huge sacrifice, since I am very close with my family and hometown friends. I make it work by Skyping and buying phone cards and my mom comes to visit once a year. Manu has started to learn more English for his trips to Boston and he has fully accepted that I’ll always have to go back and forth. 

How has your life changed now that you're back in the same place? It feels like breathing - so easy and natural. It’s like I can finally relax when we’re together.

Marissa and Manu have lots of exciting adventures in their future--her blog post will reveal why :) I can't thank her enough for sharing their love with us. If you want a dose of the Italy on a regular basis, this lady must be on your blog roll! Enjoy your Tuesday--more soon!