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It’s no secret that maintaining a long-distance relationship can be hard.

When you combine those normal hardships with the societal pressures thrust upon long-distance couples during the Valentine’s Day season, it’s easy to see how even the most determined couple can begin to question the validation of their relationship.

There are no date nights, no late night cuddles, not even a casual hand for you to hold as you walk to your next class.

Instead, you settle for daily text messages, occasional phone calls, and FaceTimes, and living life in a constant state of “it’s fine, I’m fine, it’s fine, I’m fine, it’s fine.”

Why? Why do people willingly put themselves through the stress and strife of carrying on a long-distance relationship?

Because it’s worth it.

Every single moment you spend apart just makes you excited for the very few moments that you get to spend together. Being apart for so long tests the strength, bond, and trust that you share with one another.

When, not if you are able to outlast the amount of time it takes for you to come together, you will both be able to say with confidence that if your relationship can defy distance, it can defy anything.

It won’t be easy, but it’s possible.

When you find yourself becoming discouraged, just take a moment to remind yourself of why you have worked so hard for this relationship. Understand that every challenge you face as a couple is merely another opportunity to rise above expectations and succeed.

You are doing something that many people, in general, are too afraid to attempt, let alone college students who are working hard to balance school and adult responsibilities.

So yes, distance does make the heart grow fonder. However, sustaining a long-distance relationship takes dedication, sacrifice and a whole lot of trust. Don’t listen to the opinions of others who feel they have a say in your personal endeavors because in the end, the only people who can control the outcome of your relationship are the two people in it.