Being Each Other's Strength : Life is No Longer Just About You

How do you make it work? OMG how do we make it work?

Being in a long distance relationship means doubling challenges. You need a strong sense of commitment and dedication to overcome all the obstacles that come your way. As much as it sounds like a cliche, it is true that there are two very important factors that we always need to keep in mind:

Love & Trust

There will be personal dilemmas, attitude differences, career options and many other reasons that may affect your feelings and mindsets. Anything can technically cause an argument, can make you feel uncomfortable and let you get hurt. Now, the real challenge is how to deal with all these things. Take note that it's not just about loving and trusting each other - it's also about coping up with each other.

Here are some things that Alex Polar Bear and I are doing to maintain a healthy and loving relationship. We are still learning a lot from each other and I know that what we're doing now will still evolve depending on how things turn out. Now our current state is being far away from each other. It won't be for long but it will still be a few more months of separation.

I am focused on couples dealing with LDRs, however these are simple yet generalized tips. It means everyone can do it! Yep, yes you ^_^ Even if you're simply sitting down beside your man, or he's a few blocks down the road in his own home, this is still important and effective advice that you can try out yourself ;) This doesn't mean that only you have to do it. Both you and your beau should have good and positive practices to make it work.

Now here are a few things ^.^

Loving Across the Pacific Ocean

I was never a fan of long distance relationships. It was never for me, I thought. It was hard! You're not together, you'll have to deal with things on your own, you're alone most of the time, you go places and attend functions with no partner, you're basically single but not allowed to date anyone. That was my perspective on this type of relationship and I was completely not up for it.

When I graduated high school, I broke up with my then ex-boyfriend because we were going to study in different cities. I was going to stay in my dorm while he remained in Cavite. There was no bad blood - just the fact that many things may happen. Instead of hanging onto me and some promise, I chose to let go. I was young, I wanted to have fun and my mind was all focused in career. I was 16 - life was just about to begin.

Many years later I landed as a Crew Operator where I managed seafarers and their vessel assignments. During the latter part I was already single and some of my crew (who have also become friends) would ask me "why not date a seaman? Many here like you." But then I always responded with the same thing, "I don't want to be alone."

Being alone was hard for me. It was a personal issue, I suppose. I don't like being far away, being on my own. I depended a part of me on my partner and being in a long distance relationship was just the same as being single.

When I became Alex Polar Bear's Princess Honey Bear, I knew what I was up for.

I'm in the Philippines...
He's in Wisconsin!

It's not really that bad. If you're serious and you really love each other it's not really so bad. The distance and actual physical estrangement may cause some bumps along the road but you'll make it!