and the best way I can describe it is a constant countdown.

I'm either counting down the days until I can see him again,

or I'm savoring how much time we have left together.

It's a strange balance of anticipation and anxiety;

and honestly, it can kind of mess with my head if I focus on it too much.

But I always like to think of the bigger picture.

Being patient is probably the number one rule when you're in an LDR.

The worst feeling by far is not knowing when you're going to see each other again,

but once you lock in a date and book a flight, that's when the timer begins.

No matter what's happening, they're always in the back of your mind.

And especially if it's something amazing because you just wish that they were there to experience it with you, too.

But what keeps me going is knowing that every day, hour and minute that passes, you're that much closer to seeing them.

You're gonna have moments of loneliness when you're in an LDR,

when you've had a terrible day or you're feeling down, not being able to hug him or even hold his hand is just tough.

But there are other ways to show that you're there for them;

whether it's a text, a voice memo, skype, even flowers.

You communicate and stay intimate in different and innovative ways,

and it proves that your relationship is beyond something physical.

It's anything but shallow.

When you're in an LDR, it forces you to be independent in your relationship.

Not having your boyfriend live nearby gives you no option but to do things on your own.

You have extra time to work on your job, your interests, your passions,

you can spend quality time with your friends and family, and just develop strong relationships with them.

You'll never be one of those people that just disappear when they get in a relationship.

When you're in an LDR, you learn how to rely on yourself.

You start to have a love and hate relationship with the airport;

and getting ready to see him still gives me butterflies.

It's crazy!

Once you're there, you literally can't wait to take off the ground.

Seeing them on the other side is probably one of the best feelings in the world.

It feels like you just saved all your tokens and you're finally cashing them all in.

You just appreciate every moment when you're with them because it's something that you've been patiently waiting for.

Even little things like getting stuck in traffic or making breakfast, they're all adventures now.

I didn't plan to be in a long-distance relationship,

but love finds you in unexpected places.

(This is a book filled with incredible moments of two people falling madly in love)