soon-to-be newlyweds.

Happy Wednesday! I am thrilled to feature Matthew and Crystal {from Life According to Crystal} today in my long distance series. There may be thousands of miles between Ohio and Arizona, but this couple doesn't let that get in the way of their happiness. Crystal and Matt prove the age-old adage that distance really does make the heart grow fonder.

Name: Crystal

Significant Other's Name: Matthew

When did you start dating? February 2009 

At what point did you begin dating long distance? November 2010. Matthew became very ill, first with Mono, then pneumonia, and finally shingles. He was unable to finish that semester and decided to transfer to Arizona State University. This allowed him to take classes back home so that he could be with his own doctors until he was completely better. After three months of being ill, he finally started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He was well enough to actually go a full day without taking four naps.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? We both try our best to stay busy. I finished college this past May in South Carolina, but Matthew still has another year to go because his sickness. He is in Arizona, studying to be a doctor which keeps him occupied. I am in Ohio, working 40 hours a week. Work and blogging are good distractions for me! We also talk about an hour a night, and text all day long. We both need that

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? We miss out on the simple things like spending a lazy evening watching movies together, cooking dinner, making late night Wal-Mart runs, or going to birthday parties. Seemingly unimportant things suddenly become very special when you can’t enjoy them together. I also wish we were able to spend our anniversary together. I really miss anniversary nights. 

How has long distance changed your relationship? We appreciate each other so much more. We know that if we can handle long distance, we can overcome anything! I was guilty of taking the little things (like snuggling and holding hands) for granted, but now I treasure those times because they don’t happen every day. Long distance has allowed us to get to know each other so much better because it is all about communication. If we were together 24/7, we wouldn’t know as much about one another as we do today because distance encourages the discussion.

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? We are able to pick up exactly where we left off. When we are together, we turn our phones off, which has really helped us focus on the importance of "us" time. This break from technology reminds me that life is just fine without it—especially when I know I have him by my side.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? Yes, 72 more days! We are getting married on June 2, 2012!!!!

I'm crossing fingers and toes that the next 72 days fly by for this pair :) Many thanks to Crystal for sharing their story in the midst of all their pre-wedding craziness! Have a phenomenal Wednesday, everyone...see you tomorrow!