90 Day LDR Challenge: Day 34

Day 34: What are some negative impacts you feel distance has made on your relationship?

Cat: I really feel like this LDR has had more of a positive impact on our relationship more so than a negative impact. We loved living together, but we lived with each other while we were both doing our master’s. It was pretty stressful, and towards the end, things got tough… But we made it through the storm, and while being in a LDR sounds like the thing that would really tear us apart, it really brought us closer together and made us stronger as individuals and as a couple. I think it has given us clarity in a way we had not yet. Babe?

Richard: Yeah, exactly what you said, babe. I can only say that it’s difficult when I really need a cuddle, but I know we’re strong as ever. 🙂

Don’t Dismiss Me: An Open Letter

Dear family and friends,

This letter isn’t for all of you. It’s for a select few.

It isn’t for those of you who have unconditionally supported my relationship.

It’s for those of you who don’t believe that Richard and I will make it in a LDR; for those of you who don’t believe my relationship is valid because it’s a LDR.

How does being 3,226 miles away from Richard invalidate the something special we have? How does being on the other side of the ocean immediately do away with my feelings of true love and genuine commitment?

Richard and I may not be in the same place geographically right now, but we’re on the same page about our feelings and our future. The same way you may be working towards marriage with your partner – that’s how Richard and I are working towards closing the distance.

Oddly enough, we live in a time when technology makes time and space almost irrelevant to our communications. I can Skype Richard the same way you see your partner on a daily basis. I can message Richard the same way you leave little notes on the kitchen counter for your partner.

Of course, these technologies don’t take away the time difference. And that makes it difficult when I have something on my mind at 9:00 pm my time and 2:00 am Richard’s time…

That kind of time difference and that kind of distance means that some days are easier than others, just like some days are easier than others in your relationship. Your biggest issues may not be distance or time difference like it is for me, but it may be money, school, work, busy schedules, miscommunications, etc. You know what’s interesting? Those same issues exist in LDRs. And if anything, distance and time differences amplify them.

Maybe the reason you judge my LDR is because LDRs are so different from what is conceptualized as “normal” for relationships in society. And I can only imagine how scary that must be – to let go of preconceived notions you are so comfortable with, to let go of opinions that have shaped your entire life up to this point.

But even still: Just because the only thing separating my love and me is distance doesn’t mean my relationship is any less valid, any less worthy of your respect and your support.

You love your partner.

I love my partner.

Don’t dismiss my relationship. Don’t dismiss my love.

Don’t dismiss me.

Love,

Cat

Inspired by the LDRBN Prompt: Open Letter

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The Unfathomable Realization That Happiness is Possible From a Distance.

theldrjournal:

Blessings, they say they come in disguise. I have found this to be true. While having you thousands of miles away from me I am still the happiest I have ever been because of even having you. I have found immense happiness with you.

Being in a long distance relationship has taught me to, as the cliché says, “find happiness in the little things”. Before being with you, many things were taken for granted on my part. Things have changed since then. Each kiss feels like the first. Your hugs fill my entire self with warmth and the reassurance that you will never let me go, even if you have to physically.

We learned to be children again together while also growing to adults and starting our lives. Stress of school, work, or money simply dissolves when I hear your voice on my phone. We discuss marriage and having a family after we finish a game of “Would You Rather”. We build a big comfy bed of mattresses and pillows downstairs and wait for everyone to go to bed so we can eat snacks and watch movies.

I never take any text, phone call, or video call with you for granted. I cherish each part of our relationship, the parts that many couples wouldn’t care to think twice about. We don’t need big adventures or even expensive gifts to fill our hearts full of bliss. We just need each other. Whether that be together in person or away through the phone. With you, I am incredibly happy.

Inspired by this LDR Writing Prompt: Happiness

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The power of love, as written by a beautiful soul and a beautiful friend

90 Day LDR Challenge: Day 33

Day 33: Post a photo of something sweet they’ve messaged you/mailed you!

Cat: Richard specifically requested a countdown post for this day. He loves when I randomly send them those, haha! So, here it is!

90 Day LDR Challenge: Day 32

Day 32: How are you able to afford trips to see each other? Do you find this aspect of the relationship challenging?

Cat: I’ve been saving up every month! I wish I could just win the lottery and visit him whenever I want for however long I want. But until that happens (hahaha!), I just keep counting those dollars and cents. It’s not challenging per se, but it does require a lot of patience! But I know it’s worth it, and that’s what keeps me going. 🙂

Richard: Well I have already paid for the trip to see Cat in September for two weeks 🙂 I think I’m only going to go over the once, and Cat is hoping to come over next year because we’re hoping for the visa to be sorted out in time for me to move over next September. Ideally, I’d be going over more but I think we’re striking the right balance. We’re going to be together for a long time so I don’t find this challenging 🙂

505?!

YOU GUYS NEVER FAIL TO MAKE ME SMILE!!! WHAT?!

I just randomly saw this this afternoon, and honestly, words fail me… Richard can barely believe it!

I know we live in a world where 500+ followers may not be much, but you guys are more than followers. I truly do see you all as my friends. You all have made me laugh. You all have made me feel all the feels. You all have truly inspired me with your incredible artwork and beautiful souls. So, I just wanted to say: