take chances.

Meet Justin and Michelle {from Try, Take Chances, Make Mistakes}, this week's couple in the {distance makes the heart grow fonder} series. I had the pleasure of meeting this pretty lady back in November 2011 at Blogger Blitz NYC! This pair has learned to manage the miles between NYC and New Hampshire--and sets a great example for those of you wishing to pursue your dreams without saying goodbye to a relationship!

Name: Michelle, from New York.

Significant Other's Name: Justin, from New Hampshire.

When did you start dating? We met in college and started dating in September 2009.

At what point did you begin dating long distance? Just four months into our relationship, I spent the spring semester in Florida for an internship. We were long distance during summers and winter breaks for the remainder of college. I have since graduated and work in New York, while he is still in school in Maine and works full time in New Hampshire.

How do you fill your days while you're apart? We text throughout the day. Once a day, we chat on the phone. We are both so busy that these little conversations take our minds off of the sadness of being apart.

What do you find most difficult about being long distance? Being apart was much more difficult when we were living two completely different lives. I was working a full-time internship and a job and living on my own in Florida. At the same time, he was in school, playing college hockey, and living the typical athlete life. Now, being apart is second nature and I don't find it as difficult anymore.

How has long distance changed your relationship? The separation made us realize just how much we missed each other. Distance definitely brought us closer together. It also taught us to appreciate and value the time we do have together--and to spend that time together rather than running around and doing busy things. 

   

What do you enjoy most about the time you have together? When we are together, we usually try to spend a lot of time with each other's families, which I really enjoy. We also try to plan an exciting thing to do together once a month, such as a Bruins game, snow moiling, or water skiing.

Is there any end in sight to your long distance days? Sadly no. My career will take me south this fall and he will still be living in New Hampshire with a great job. We will find new ways to make it work :)

Though Justin and Michelle have more distance on the horizon, I'm more than confident they can survive! Be sure to give her some love today :) Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends! I have an extra special treat coming your way tomorrow! See you then!

P.S. I've been SO excited to line up some blog consultations in the coming weeks! Take advantage of my 15% discount this week--and get your blog all polished and new for spring!