Have a long distance relationship?

A long distance relationship is never easy, but if I'd be given a chance to do it all over again, I would. I met my husband in 2004 and he also left before the year ended. You see, we met in March and he left November. He came back after three years, to be exact, November 2007. During the 3 years, we relied on yahoo messenger, numerous phone calls and letters. Well, during the entire 3 years, I only received 1 letter from him. Despite that, I never grew tired of writing him, and sending him letters 3 times a month. I remember I would frequently go to the Post Office inside the University of the Philippines. Yes, those were the days. It was very difficult because it seemed back then that I had an imaginary boyfriend. It was hard to cling to promises. What made it harder was the fact that we were just in the beginning of our relationship when he left, just 6 months. It was a risk. There were times when I had to initiate breakups, but he never said 'yes'. Sure there were disagreements, but they were signs of how we miss each other.

                                                             Source: fitting-it-all-in.com

I think most long distance relationships fail because couples can't stand not seeing each other, as if the presence of each other is the only thing that will make their relationship stronger. It's true that physical presence is important, but when you enter a long distance relationship, you have to look for other ways to compensate physical absence. I still didn't know how I did it, or how I surpassed it. Maybe I just grew tired of not seeing him anymore. I made a conscious effort of writing him, almost everyday. I was not able to send the other letters that I wrote him, but writing to him seemed like I was writing in my diary during those days. It became a habit. And that habit beat the idea of not seeing him.

When someone decides to pursue a long distance relationship, be prepared to get hurt and don't expect a lot. Always consider what is important for each other. You have your own priorities when you're apart. Do not expect the other person to give in to your demands all the time. Remember, both of you have your own lives, your own responsibilities to fulfill and goals to pursue, Be understanding. Be prepared to understand even if it seems difficult to do so. During those 3 years, he was working for his family and I was pursuing my studies. We both have different priorities, but we never considered the difference as a hindrance to our relationship. Though there were times that I wished he was with me during special occasions, we had to let them all pass because there are more important things to focus on.

The question: 'Do I want to lose this person?' is something that I end up asking myself after thinking of how difficult it is to be in a long distance relationship. When I thought I could not wait anymore and got tired of waiting for phone calls and messages, I ask myself this question. The answer was always a 'no'. Most couples lose their faith in each other during long distance relationships. Time and distance will always pose a challenge in what you have and in what you have built together, but I guess the idea of losing each other would change everything and turn what you have in its original place. 

I've always believed that 'Patience is a virtue'. Do not be tired of waiting.