Every story has a unique recipe. From the 'you-and-me against the world' to the 'love-at-first-sight'. Each one with its own twist, but always a story to behold. At some point in our lives, we've watched and been captivated by plenty of fictional romantic movies. Who can forget our very own 'Popoy and Basha' and oh 'Noah and Allie'! This romantic movies not only tell great love stories, it also shows the hardships two people have to go through. BUT, for me, real life love stories, are far better than those movies.
Here is a part of our story that I love sharing.
This is how we conquered the dreaded long distance relationship.
Mr. B. had no intention nor desire to work overseas. It was my plan, for us. I was so upset when initial plans crumbled. He could not bear the sadness he sees in me. One day he decided, he would go first. At that time, we've been together for 4 years, and living together for 3.
It was both exhilarating and nerve wracking. I've always believed that knowing is half the battle, yet here we are, about to face the unknown. How we did it? Read on!
1. Deciding how long we were going to be apart.
This was the first thing we decided on. It is important to set a date. After all, a relationship is hardly one if you cannot share walks or meals or beautiful places TOGETHER. Always TOGETHER. We decided that the longest we can be apart would be 1 year. We were apart for 9 tough months.
2. Trust and Communication.
I have witnessed numerous long distance relationships fail. My own parents being the first I've had to endure, was heartbreaking. When it was our turn to go through it, I looked at our situation as a war --- against LDR --- one I will win. Our weapons? Calling cards, Skype, Facebook and Trust!
I could not imagine being able to survive the distance without technology. The cost of calling overseas from the Philippines is exorbitant. So, it was always Mr. B who would call me through the regular telephone calls. But he made sure I could always reach him through facebook and Skype.
He accumulated so many calling cards as he would call me when he wakes up, during breakfast, before he leaves for work, during lunch and break time, before he leaves work, when he arrives home, during dinner and before he sleeps. This was our daily schedule. We made sure we spent most of our idle time talking on the phone, playing online games together or even just eating at the same time. This gave us more time together and deepened our trust for each other.
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| Prepaid Cards Accumulated over 9 Months |
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| Cards used to make this message |
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| 1 Card can usually last 3 weeks. He used 3 or more cards in a month. |
3. Eating Together -- Apart
We made sure we ate breakfast together, meaning at the same time. I loved hearing stories about the new things he would discover in Singapore.
We would eat at similar restaurants or even Mcdonalds at the same time during our rest days.
4. Watching Movies Together --- Apart
And yes, we did watch the same movies in Cinemas making sure they are shown at the same time as the other. It was tricky but we made it work. He would call me after the movie and we would talk about what we've watched. Even eating out together --- though apart.
5. Visits and Vacations.
He came home on his fifth month so we can celebrate our anniversary. And he surprised me with tickets to Singapore on the sixth month. It was important for us to be with each other as often as possible even in short periods only.
After nine tough months, I was finally able to fly to Singapore to be with him. I didn't have a job then but I decided I will take any job just to be with him. Oh love sweet love! And yes we survived LDR, and got married this year!
If you love someone, you cannot let the distance be an excuse not to grow your love or share experiences together, even if it's just virtually.
For love moves mountains, seas and conquers everything, including distance.
xoxo,
~d
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