So you may be entering college already in a relationship with your high school significant other. Or maybe you’re already in college and have found your significant other is leaving school either because they’re studying abroad or they’re graduating. Whatever the reason, I’m sure you’ve heard before that long distance relationships simply do not work. However, this is not true.

The reality is that every relationship is different. Your relationship, long distance or not, will work depending on whether the two of you want it to. Only the two of you should decide what happens.

There are plenty of reasons to attend college without a long distance relationship, but there are also plenty of reasons why it’s actually the best!

Reason 1: You have more time to work on yourself. 

Less time with your partner allows you to focus on yourself and your goals. Do you want to study more efficiently? Do you want to wake up early and head to the gym? These goals are more attainable if you’re able to focus solely on your own needs in the present moment.

Reason 2: You will have more time for others. 

Similarly, you will have more time to forge friendships. If you’re spending most of your time with your significant other, it can be difficult to fit in time for friends on top of studying and keeping up with everything else you’re trying to accomplish. Being in an LDR can also result in less drama if your friends feel like you have more time for them rather than only your significant other.

Reason 3: You have a great support system. 

Being in a LDR means you have someone on the outside of the stresses of your college that you can turn to when you’re feeling down or anxious. Your partner will only be a phone call or Skype call away from consoling you.

Reason 4: You get to travel more! 

Look on the bright side: you get to explore another town and university or you get to go back home to see your partner and your family.

Reason 5: You will work on communication skills.

Communication and trust are the cornerstones for any healthy relationship. Every successful LDR has these two pillars as key!

Reason 6: You’ll learn about another school, town, or even another country!

Is your significant other going to another school? It’s fun to compare how your schools do things slightly differently! Is your significant other studying abroad for a semester or two? You’ll get to learn about a new culture and lifestyle!

Reason 7: You have the chance to make new connections.

You and your significant other will likely make new friends when you’re physically separated. But guess what? Those new friends can become yours too! This will make you and your partner feel closer even when physically distant. An extra bonus: those new friends will be key when you’re planning a surprise for your partner and need a little extra help!

Reason 8: You may be able to practice a different love language!

Have you heard about love languages? Find out yours here. In a LDR, physical touch can be replaced by affectionate compliments and effective communication.

Reason 9: Distance makes the heart grow fonder. 

Hey, it’s true! When the two of you are together, you’ll appreciate the little things a lot more. Things as simple as cooking together will feel a lot more precious after time apart.

Like any relationship, being in an LDR is hard and takes work. But it doesn’t have to be destined to end the minute you’re physically separated. If both of you are on the same page, a long distance relationship can be very fulfilling and worth all the while.