virginia is for lovers.

Happy Wednesday! I hope y'all had a great Valentine's Day :) In keeping with a lovey dovey theme, I have another round in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series! This one features Steven and Sarah {from Simply Sarah}, who are high school sweethearts with a seven hour divide between them. Despite their crazy schedules, Steven and Sarah make it work. Find out how below...

Name: Sarah

Significant Other's Name: Steven

When did you start dating? We were “dating” after he asked me to prom our junior year of high school, but we use the date August 26, 2008 as our "official" date - the beginning of our senior year of high school.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? Our long distance began in August 2009 when we both started college. I go to school in our hometown in Virginia and he goes to school (and plays baseball) in Pennsylvania, about 7 hours away To keep up with college ball, he plays summer ball, which forces us to stay long distance throughout the summer. It is tough, but I know he loves to play and I am 100% supportive--I love to watch him play :)

How do you fill your days while you're apart? I stay busy focusing on school and I have a part-time job that I absolutely love. In addition to keeping up with his schoolwork, baseball keeps Steven extremely busy year round. Time actually seems to fly by because our plates are so full during the school year!  We always text each other good morning and good night, as well as random times throughout the day. I'm also a planner, so I'm always plotting our next visit together so that I have something to look forward to on my calendar. Making countdowns is so helpful! During the week, we try to fit in a phone conversation (and a Skype date on occasion)...I am so thankful for that technology!

What do you find most difficult about being long distance?  It is hard not being able to share our college memories.  When I have a free night on the weekends or if one of us has had a rough day, it is so hard to not be close enough to just drive up and see him for dinner. I also miss the simple things, like watching movies, holding hands, going to church together, or playing Wii tennis - one of our favorites.

How has long distance changed your relationship? Our relationship is definitely much stronger! We have learned how to communicate better and definitely appreciate the little things now, like only having to wait a week to see each other rather than a month! I still find it very hard to say goodbye, or "see you soon" as we say, but each time I think it gets a little bit easier. With every visit, our relationship grows a little bit, so it helps. When I get to see him, I appreciate every second that we are together.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? Everything! No matter how long it has been since we have seen each other, it still feels like it has only been a day. I love that! We fall right back into place with each other. (I still get butterflies on the drive up to see him!) It doesn't matter if we're staying in and watching movies or going on a day trip somewhere...we're in the same room and that’s all that matters!

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? I hope so! After we graduated in 2013, I am praying we can be closer together.  Steven hopes to take baseball as far as he can and I will continue to support his dream. If he ends up going to grad school instead, you can bet I will be rooting for a school in Virginia!

Be sure to send some love in Sarah's direction today :) I'm crossing fingers the next year flies by for them! It's weird to say, but 2013 will be here before we know it. Craziness! I'll see you back here tomorrow :) Enjoy your Wednesday!