CREDIT: PARISALAMODE
Love knows no boundaries.

Can you imagine living about the majority of a relationship without the one you love? While most relationships may be within a closer physical proximity, what happens when you live far away from your true love?

Not many people intend to actively look for a long-distance relationship or even think of finding themselves in this position, but one does not choose when love hits. It's definitely more of a challenge to maintain a healthy and strong relationship but it's equally as possible with mutual effort from both ends. As long as relationships have open communication, then the strength of those true emotions can withstand any distance.

“Much of the way we communicate as humans comes from body language, and with that taken out of the equation, it becomes hugely important that you articulate everything to your partner, a lot can be lost in translation,” said Kim (last name withheld), a firstyear Law student at Western University whose partner lives in Asia. Communication is hard, so try to learn about your partner's quirks and mannerisms and try to keep things as clear as possible to avoid misunderstandings.

There are times when the distance is felt especially hard. The gap so vast that lovers feel worlds apart, yet nothing worthwhile or meaningful ever comes easily. Joanne (last name withheld), a current student at Western University studying Dentistry, is in a relationship with someone who lives in the United States, and she acknowledged the hardships of being separated. “The hardest part is not having [each other] to share your times of joy or pain, [but] it's totally worth it. When it's working, you know you're both equally committed to each other.” Stay true to each other and focus on each day, your feelings for each other are what give you fuel and the power to persevere.

You may not realize it at first, but you will learn a lot about yourself and identify your strengths and weaknesses not only as an individual but also as a partner in a relationship. The greatest benefit may be learning how to be emotionally independent, to hold your own in when your partner is unavailable. Such a benefit is a double-edged sword, as it simultaneously feels impossible to manage on your own. “This struggle makes you stronger,” said Kim, who has discovered how she functions and deals with a variety of issues and very crucially, how she has to take care of herself. It is important to find the best way to manage your emotions and to find an outlet for stress in order to keep yourself strong and able to carry on. It takes hard work and nothing is taken for granted because you cherish each other so much more.

What is expected in a long-distance relationship? Perhaps nothing. The only predictability might just be that it will be taxing on both parties, but it may also be completely worthwhile. A long-distance relationship is worth the effort if you truly care for your significant other. This does not mean that it will be easy; it will push your limits and throw challenges your way, yet what you gain is worth it. Keep a final goal in mind and work towards something as a couple — you will reach your happily- ever-after together.