Dear Journal, how I feel about dating long distance...

Hey there, journal! Let’s chat about the ups and downs of long-distance love. But hey, you know what? Love, even when it's scattered across the map, can be quite an adventure.

I was miles away from my better half, wondering how on earth we were going to make this work. He lived in Los Angeles and I was in Orange County. #California long distance. It could be a 5 hours drive on a Friday night. In the beginning, the whole thing felt like navigating a maze blindfolded. Looking back, I realize that a little creativity and a whole lot of heart can bridge any gap.

**Embrace the Video Calls:**

Remember those days when we waited for the mailman? Well, today's mailman are Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime. It was really fun learning about each other through FaceTime. Virtual dinner dates became a regular thing, movie nights were a blast, and sharing our daily ups and downs felt just like we were right there with each other.

**Plan Visits in Advance:**

Having a countdown on your calendar for your next meet-up is like an ongoing celebration. Planning those in-person visits is like sprinkling confetti on your relationship – it's a blast!

**Share Virtual Adventures:**

If you're in love, you'll be excited about all the same things, right? So, why not pick a TV series and binge-watch it together? Or read the same book and have your mini book club. Those shared experiences can light up your connection like a shooting star.

**Sprinkle Surprise Messages:**

Who doesn't love surprises? Sending unexpected texts, voice notes, or even handwritten letters can turn a regular day into something special. And believe me, a surprise delivery of pizza or a care package can make you feel closer than ever.

**Trust is the Holy Grail:**

In long-distance love, trust is your best friend. I realized that trust is like the magic dust that keeps the love spark alive. Trust your partner, and they'll trust you right back. It's like a never-ending circle of trust – a beautiful thing!

**Keep the Jealousy Monster at Bay:**

It can grow from a tiny mouse to a roaring lion faster than you can say "I trust you." Instead of letting it sneak into your relationship, keep it at bay. Trust your partner's life outside of your love bubble.

**Find Your 'Thing':**

We decided that we needed something to keep our relationship exciting. So, we found our 'thing' – a hobby we both love. It's like our secret handshake, our own love language. We nurture it, and it nurtures us.

**Schedule "Us" Time:**

With time zones and busy lives, it's important to set aside special moments just for each other. Our daily morning coffee chat, weekly movie night, and sweet "good night" texts became our lifelines.

**The Magic of Photos:**

We'd share little snapshots of our day – a sunset, our morning coffee, or a funny sign we saw on the street. Those photos were like tiny love letters we'd send each other.

**Don't Let the Small Stuff Grow:**

Little misunderstandings can turn into big problems if you don't address them. Our rule? Talk about things as they come up. Communication isn't just a relationship tool; it's the whole darn toolbox!

**Laugh, Laugh, Laugh:**

Laughter is like an elixir of love. We'd share funny memes, and silly jokes, and just have a good laugh together. Those moments are the glue that holds our hearts together.

**Talk About the Future:**

Knowing where your relationship is heading is like having a roadmap. So, we discussed our plans. We both knew where we were going, and it felt like a great adventure.

Journal, it hasn't been easy, but long-distance love is like a beautiful puzzle. The pieces fit perfectly if you give them enough patience and love. Who would've thought that something as simple as trust, laughter, and shared hobbies could bridge miles and miles of distance? But they did, and here I am, making it work beautifully.

Xo

your matchmaker,

Danielle Victoriah