People often ask me how I survived a long distance relationship with a man 3,000 miles away. Just like anyone, I had my doubts about being in a long distance relationship… When would I see him? How would I get to know him if I don’t spend time with him? Wouldn’t this get expensive for me? How would I trust him? I took a chance and I got lucky, but there is definitely more to it. Rule #1: My fiancé and I made a rule that we would not go more than 3 weeks without seeing one another. This worked for us due to job flexibility – more him than I. Of course there were a few times neither one of us could get away from work and that duration was sometimes 6 weeks long. Rule #2: We almost always met up in our respective hometowns rather than some exotic vacation spot. This allowed us to really get to know one another and gain perspective on how we both live. The fancy dinners and romantic nights out quickly got old, we both wanted a glimpse of what real life would entail. When you spend two to three weeks at a time with someone, trust me you’ll quickly see the good, bad, and ugly. He saw me for who I truly was… the girl with glasses and frizzy hair hanging out in sweats all day while surfing the net. I got to witness the same… the guy without glasses and frizzy hair, but he did hang out in sweats all day while he worked and watched CNN. Yes, I’m all caught up on world news. Rule #3: A long distance relationship will quickly get expensive. My secret: I signed up for the right credit cards and used them wisely to earn miles, in turn I also scored some free trips to LA. Additionally, it helps that we both live next to two major cities that offer hourly nonstop flights which will help you find some really good deals. Rule #4: He made me feel secure, always. I can’t tell you how important this one is for a woman. I was always able to reach him and he was able to reach me. He made time for me even when his schedule did not permit. We rarely went more than one day without speaking or texting one another. One last thought, surviving a long distance relationship is a lot easier when you’re a little older and more settled in your career. In my 20s, this would have been a lot harder for me compared to now in my 30s. I hope my tips will help you should you ever find yourself in a long distance relationship. Alright now food! So you guys know truffle oil is my biggest weakness. I recently whipped up these Sauteed Mushrooms with Eggs and Truffle Oil for myself. Super quick and easy recipe, don’t be intimidated by how gourmet it looks, it’s actually really, really simple. Just 6 ingredients and this brunch recipe is paleo, gluten free, dairy free and low carb. Doesn’t get better than that! Enjoy!
