Leaving on a Jet Plane.....

One of the things I get asked often when I tell someone my fiance lives in Minnesota is, "How do you make THAT work?" I never seem to be able to give a quick answer to that question, because let's face it - it is hard. Most people take for granted that they will see their boyfriend or fiance regularly. But, when you are in a long distance relationship, you have to plan your next visit to see each other. In our case, this involves various modes of transportation. In one trip to Chicago/Minnesota, I literally used planes, trains and automobiles!

Thankfully, modern technology helps when it comes to long distance. If Jim and I did not have skype, I am sure our relationship would be much different. With skype, we are able to see each other and it almost feels like we are right there with each other. I have seen Jim do laundry, cook and watch tv on skype. So, it helps a little, but it is still not the real thing.

The good thing about a long distance relationships though, is it forces you to make the foundation of your relationship the emotional connection. It is not unusual for Jim and I to talk for 3-4 hours a night. Before we got engaged, we went through a book called "101 Question to Ask Before Getting Engaged". For some couples, a lot of these questions would have been things they would never have entertained bringing up in the conversation before. But, Jim and I found each other saying "Oh we have already talked about this!" for a lot of the questions in the book.

We are blessed. So often, relationships are based and begin purely on sexual attraction, and the physical component of a relationship becomes the most important thing. For us, the emotional and spiritual connections were developed first and I think that is such a blessing. It is the rock that holds the relationship together.

Also, being long distance forces us to sacrifice and compromise. It forces us to sacrifice our money (to get on that jet plane), and to sacrifice being in the same town, (or in our case country!) together. All of these things I feel will only benefit us in our marriage where we know that sacrifice and compromise WILL have to happen for the marriage to be successful.

It is funny. Whenever I hear couples say things like "UGH! He is driving me crazy. I just wish he would go away!" I always wonder how they can not realize the blessings they have, being able to be with the one they love all the time. I thank God everyday that Jim and I are able to have the relationship we do, because of faith, modern technology like skype and of course...those jet planes.