Distance can separate people or it can bring each other closer together.
If you watched my first web series episode (which I hope you did!) you learned my now-husband and I did long distance for years. I am convinced that long distance relationships can be great for a couple because it forces you to build a strong foundation on communication. Not just, “Hi. Bye. How was your day? Cool.” I’m talking valuable and meaningful communication skills full of purpose, love and support. Also, it teaches you not to take one another for granted. When you see each other it’s the happiest! And until you see each other again, you enthusiastically (and longingly) count down the days looking forward to being reunited. It builds strength in your relationship and it builds strength in your love for one another.
With a long distance friendship, it can be a little different. At our age you’re not talking on the phone every second of your free time every day. You’re not always texting at every chance you get because you are consumed with other daily tasks. There are those amazing best friends you have that no matter how much time goes by in between conversing you pick right back up where you left off. There are those friends that somehow you continue to get closer and closer because you all are frequently checking in, updating you on life achievements, ups, downs, work, relationships, and all the in between. And there are those friends that will slip away.
My husband and I have moved many times for football, including cross-country moves. We have friends scattered all over from all walks of life. We are very grateful for each and every one of them and they all hold a special place in our lives.
We were very lucky to have some fabulous friends from NYC and Chicago come visit us in the desert to pump us with love and laughs. (They are the definition of the second group of friends I described). I met them when I worked at NBC in NYC. A work friendship grew into some of the most amazing friendships. We’ve been through hirings, firings, marriages, moves, and so much more all in different locations – yet that doesn’t prevent us from being closer than ever.
The power of distance is real. You just have to work for it.
*Check out the second episode of Off the Field to take a peek into our weekend adventure together!*
