The distance on most days feels infinitesimal because we are constantly connected. There is WhatsApp, Gmail, Skype, Viber and a host of other apps aimed at bridging the gap. And then there are days where no amount of technology can make up for a much needed hug or a gentle reassuring touch. It is days like these that are the hardest. It is days like these that really test you and your relationship. If you learn how to sail along these days then a long-distance relationship is a cakewalk…is what I had thought. I couldn’t have been more wrong, could I?
A long-distance relationship is not about staying connected, it is about communication – R and I have learnt this valuable lesson through trial and error. The dreaded distance has pushed us to communicate in ways we wouldn’t have otherwise. We have learnt to keep each other in our day-to-day lives without overstepping on each other’s personal space. We have learnt to spell out every little thing so there is no second-guessing or room for misinterpretation.
We have learnt to make each other feel special in spite of being miles apart. We have learnt…or rather learning how to handle each other’s mood swings, bad work days, blah days and I-miss-you-too-much days. We have learnt the importance of surprises. We have learnt to not take each other for granted. We have learnt to read each other’s frame of mind even without asking ‘how are you feeling today’. We have learnt to not let fear, jealousy or doubt creep in by tackling everything together as a team.
We sure haven’t figured it all out; we still have our off days and occasional squabbles. Every day is a lesson but I can say this in full faith that the distance has only brought us closer and made us surer than ever. It has taught us to invest and stay invested.
