Long Distance Relationship- What I've learnt

It's the 1st of August and I'm so happy. 

Firstly because I have just got my first ever proper pay check  (shopping time!!), and secondly, I'm so proud and happy that there is one month less until I see my boyfriend again.

As I mentioned in my previous post, my boyfriend moved to Australia for 5 months to partake in a study abroad. Having experienced long distance with him before, I live in Ireland and he lives in London so every Summer, Christmas etc we are apart, I was semi prepared for what's to come. But this time, when he is halfway across the world and I know, no matter what, I can't see him until December has made things a lot different.

Whether you are about to experience it, currently experiencing it, or have in the past, the hardness of long distance relationships cannot be ignored. I want to share with you my own personal story of my LDR. My experiences, thoughts and advice, and I would love for you to share yours with me too.

I hope this brings you comfort in some way...

If you are and your partner are willing to go through a long distance relationship, it is clear you love each other. So in terms of breaking up, love is never a problem, however, growing apart is.
I can't stress enough how important communication is. It seems like an obvious one, and it is, but the power of it cannot be  underestimated.
In LDR's it's very likely your life is a lot different without your partner, whether it be because you have adjusted to life without them, or new experiences and opportunities have been thrown your way. Therefore, it is so important to ensure you both communicate so you are still part of each other's lives and you don't grow apart. Whether it be messaging or sending photos on Whatsapp, writing letter or emails, or Skyping, it is so important to always make time for one another.

Whether you live together or thousands of miles apart fights  are inevitable. There will be hard days, but it's about working through the fights and not giving up because you know when you see them again in the future it will all be worth it. It's emotionally frustrating you can't be together, you ask 'Why me?', and this frustration can cause a lot of fights. To put it simply, sometimes when we are fighting with our loved one, in a LDR we feel the closest to them because fights show you care about each other. But this isn't a healthy way to deal with things. Although fighting to a degree is normal, petty fights are not. Instead, turn your emotional frustration to a simple message saying 'I miss you' or a quick Skype session just to hear their voice again.

It's also still so very important to celebrate the milestones and be proud of what you are trying! I know a lot of couples who break up when they move to another city 1 hour down the road. I'm not saying the relationship will work out, but I think the fact you are trying a LDR is amazing! The love you both must have for each other really shows so never stop celebrating this.

I'm not sure how many of these posts I will do, let me know if you would like more on my journey. Also I think it is important to note that I am 100% not saying follow these tips to a perfect LDR. Every experience is different, and this is mine. I really want mine to work, but in reality, it may not, so talking to you guys about this is a big deal. Whether my LDR works or not, I am so proud at 20 years old I have met someone who is willing to wait for me and me them.

Let me know if you enjoyed this post or have any thoughts, comment, tweet, DM or share this post.
And to all you who are in a LDR right now, be proud because what you are doing is amazing.

Much love,
Those Young Years x
@thoseyoungyears

Life's harsh truths; Everyone's battle

This post may seem unorganised and like a huge jumble of words which are not making a lot of sense, and you are right, it probably doesn't. 

The truth is alot has happened within the past month, I've started exams, preparing for placement and I am dealing with something which I never expected or  could have ever prepared myself for. As much as I would love to tell you and get your lovely help and support, I'm just not ready yet. Although, hopefully with a few more weeks to digest the news, I do plan on sharing it with you, keeping you informed on the journey it will take me, discussing the topic with you and helping each other  who are in similar situations.
This blog was always going to be addressing some of the harsh truths in life, and this particular news has definitely taught me that sometimes it does seem like life can be cruel, throwing obstacles in your imaginary life plan which in your head seemed all so simple and beautiful. However, although it may seem like a painful complication now, I am a firm believer in that everything does happen for a reason. Sometimes it is important to remind ourselves that it may lead to greater happiness and love in the future, or things may not work out how you wanted them to, but if you allow it, it can help build you as a person and enable you to become stronger than you could have ever imagined.

"Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle of their own"

I find this quote to be comforting yet sad. Comforting because it's nice knowing you are not alone in over-coming hard situations every day. Sometimes, in our own sorrow, we look to other peoples 'perfect'  lives and wish that ours can only be half as easy as theirs. However, the sad truth is that, everyone IS facing their own battle, whether it be a battle within themselves, friends, family or relationships. It is important to know that nobody has the perfect life, some of us are just better at hiding it than others, so it is important that we execute kindness with everyone. If you know someone facing a hard situation, even if they do not wish to discuss it, a simple 'I'm here for you', can be all they need to hear. If they do want to talk, it's important to listen, be patient and understanding of their thinking or situation.

However, I'm definitely not one for negativity, and although I do love a good cry about sad things sometimes, I try not to let them get me down for too long. Next time your sad, even try and think of one thing your thankful for in your life, or a good thing which could come out of your situation. The latter may seem very difficult in some circumstances, and it is, but sometimes only time can help you realise these things. Has it taught you what you want in life, how you don't want to act towards others or made you appreciate the little things in life like the constant support of family and friends?

Although everyone is facing their own battle, always remember that life is beautiful, and when something kicks you down in life, take time to be sad if you need to, but as soon as you have cried everything out put on a song that makes you feel good then get back up and fight back even harder to make your life the best it can be!

Please let me know if you found this post comforting. Share it with others if you think it will help and don't hesitate to comment or direct message me on twitter @ThoseYoungYears if you have anything you would like to share. I ALWAYS look forward to reading your lovely comments!

Sending alot of love and happiness your way,
Those Young Years

x

Update: Good news everyone! I've joined Facebook! I'd greatly appreciate it if you gave facebook.com/thoseyoungyears  a like! I'll keep you up to date on blogposts, everyday life and anything I find on the big internet which I want to share x