brave it.

Happy Wednesday :) I got the request from one of my sweet readers this weekend for a few tips on how to handle the start of a long distance relationship. It has been a few moons since {cv} and I first braved that uncharted territory, but it doesn't mean I don't acutely remember those long {and hard!} first months apart. Though I cannot profess to be an expert, this post does contain a few of our learnings about how to start off your distance on the right foot...

Below, you'll find what can best be described as a "beginner's guide" to long distance. It is {by no means} complete, nor is it foolproof, but it does contain a few of the most important tidbits {cv} and I discovered during our first year of long distance...

A few words of explanation: no relationship--be it long distance or across town--can survive without honesty and trust. I truly believe that a relationship with a strong foundation built on these two tenets can weather most any storm. Having friends {and, if you're lucky, family} in the city where you are helps to make the lonely nights easier. You simply need a few close pals outside of your relationship who can distract you and keep you sane. Along the same vein, mapping out your future visits will help you maintain some semblance of normalcy. Without a plan, the potential for getting your hopes dashed {when a visit doesn't work} is much higher. A real plan helps so, so much.

Being patient and understanding encompasses putting up with daily distractions without seeing them as a stumbling block for your future. Not every phone call or text will be exactly what you want to hear--and understanding that is half the battle. By embracing and accepting the distance, you come to terms with the fact your current situation isn't ideal. The end goal {being in the same place!} is worth putting up with the day-to-day disadvantages of long distance.

Last but not least, don't look too far into the future. I remember looking down the barrel of three years apart and it seemed like an insurmountable length of time. Not so! By mapping out visits and ensuring you make time for the two of you, you will be able to break down the time into more manageable increments--and survive those three years {or however long} with flying colors!

Thanks for bearing with this wordy post--I hope it helps those of you new to the long distance game {and even those of you who might have been in the thick of it for awhile!} :) I'll have another blogger's story for you next week, but I thought this would make for a nice change of pace. See you all tomorrow!

{photo = here}