loads of peonies.

Hello friends! It is time for another round in my {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series, featuring Josh and Jessica {from Peony}. This couple grew up in Washington State and started dating in their hometown after high school. They had a wonderful routine, until Josh had to transfer across the state for school. Though they have only been long distance for a few months, I think it is super important to hear from a couple who is still new to distance...

Name: Jessica

Significant Other's Name: Josh

When did you start dating? We started dating more than three years ago, in July 2008.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? We started dating long distance in August 2011, which means we are very new to the whole concept. Josh left to complete his junior year of college at a school across Washington State. 

How do you fill your days while you're apart? I try to spend my time hanging out with my family and friends. I also work as a nanny and learned quickly that kids serve as a great time filler. Blogging helps to fill my time as well. It is hard not to get caught up with how much I miss him or focus on how drastically my life has changed. I am learning to remind myself this is only temporary and eventually we will be in arms reach again soon. When that time comes, I know this whole experience will have made us much stronger as a couple. 

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? So far, the hardest part has been feeling like we are living in different worlds. He lives in a true college town and I am living at home with my parents. While transitioning into a long distance relationship has been incredibly hard, sometimes it feels good to know I have someone to miss. It is a bittersweet feeling, but it reminds me how much I love him.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? It is simple: just being together. He has only been gone a semester, but we have seen each other much more than I expected. The time we do get to spend together is not any different than it was before he moved, which is beyond comforting.

How has long distance changed your relationship? After high school, Josh and I were among a select few who stayed near home to attend a community college. Most of our friends went away to the school where Josh is now. We were on a team at home, living a quiet life. We would go to our classes, work our jobs, do homework together, and most of all, end each day together. Now, my teammate is on the other side of the state. We text and talk on the phone when we can, but it is incredibly different from the existence we had in our hometown. Our nightcaps are now over Skype. 

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? We hope it will end in May, which is when his school year ends. He hopes to transfer back to the west side of Washington State for his senior year. Fingers crossed!

Many thanks to Jessica for sharing their story--I am crossing my fingers their long distance ends in May :) Their fresh perspective helped me remember the early days we spent apart. I am sure I don't stand alone in telling Jessica that the distance will most certainly make them stronger. Enjoy your Wednesday!