10 Ways Being In A Long-Distance Relationship Made Me A Better Person

Distance sucks, plain and simple. It's always more comforting to be close in proximity to the things and people you love most. But then reality hits.

Sometimes life just gets in the way. Along with many others, I am one of the chosen ones to feel the unpleasant wrath that being away from your significant other brings.

So believe me when I tell you I know how much it sucks to be in a long-distance relationship. Not only does it suck, but it's hard -- and it's not for everybody. Everyone is a different type of lover, so it's expected that certain people have different limitations to what they demand in a relationship.

But I am here to shine a light on the darkness that comes with the idea of a long-distance relationship. As a self-discovering, 20-something female in this Millennial age, I am on a constant journey to clearly figure out my dreams, my passions and what makes me happy to be alive.

I would be lying if I said that my past relationships didn't consume me when I have them physically close to me.

The extent of the way I love can sometimes be out of my control. So with a considerable about of time in a LDR, I have come to the realization that the forced distance created a healthier, more independent and ambitious version of myself.

Here's why:

1. You have more time for yourself.

Although the most obvious, it's the most important. Sometimes it really hard to see for yourself how much self-care you are lacking when you have a constant desire to please and satisfy someone else.

2. With more time dedicated to yourself, you begin to put yourself first.

More time to be active. More time to study. More time to make goals. More time to reach those goals. And more time to strengthen your mental and physical health.

3. You become independent and less needy.

When I used to live close to my significant other, I allowed myself to be clingy, and it was engraved in my mind that I was entitled to his time and vice versa.

It seemed like all my free time was immediately penciled in for him and all my errands consisted of his company. I felt weird doing anything on my own.

Even though I love doing the little things together (like grocery shopping and pumping gas), it is healthy to feel comfortable being on your own.

4. You have more time for your friends and family.

Sometimes in a relationship, you lose sight about all the other important people in your life before your significant other came into the picture.

Remember the people who love and would do anything for you? Time is limited and you are never guaranteed another day, so make sure to be there for all of your loved ones.

5. Your relationship is based around the three key components: Trust, communication and effort.

It already takes a lot of work to maintain a normal relationship, but being in a long-distance unit really puts you to the test. When you and your partner are able to successfully be a team when miles apart, it is evident that there is a strong foundation between the two.

6. You will never get tired of seeing them.

With big smiles and open arms. It's always a new excitement, running into their arms after weeks or months apart.

7. When together, there is no petty and unnecessary fights.

Time is always limited, so you need to make the best out of the seconds, minutes and days. There is no time for stupid, irrelevant arguments. I'd rather fill my day with hugs, kisses and cuddles.

8. You both are traveling to new places.

Even if for a few days, it's always nice to roam a new set of streets with your loved one. Traveling somewhere else is a nice reward for all the hard work you put in throughout the week.

9. You make up for lost time in the bedroom.

And there are no complaints.

10. Unless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it's a waste of your time.

I would not be in a relationship -- let alone long distance -- if I didn't truly feel a strong spark. So when I put my love and heart on the line, it is clear to me they are worth it. And if they're worth it, I would travel to the ends of the world for them.

So cheers to love and its endless boundaries. Love knows no distance, and I am grateful my current relationship can be that daily reminder of that for me.