By Lilia Syemushyn – Contributor

My boyfriend and I met on the day I had to submit my biometrics for my study permit in Berlin. Therefore, it was quite clear from the very beginning that I would be gone for eight months. Some months later, my visa got approved, and that’s how the relationship became an overseas relationship.

The first few months at Bishop’s was everything, all new and exciting. A different culture, a different language, a different university system…. There wasn’t much time to miss seeing each other. Then, as I slowly established a routine and everything got more ordinary, I realised that it was still five long months before we would see each other. However, over the following months, I started recognizing the unexpected benefits of a long-distance relationship. What initially seemed like an inconvenience turned out to have its own value.

After months of only seeing your partner as a pixelated face on a small screen, finally hugging them in person feels incredible. The anticipation, the airport reunion (or slightly less cinematic bus station meet-up in Sherbrooke); it all makes the wait worthwhile.

Being able to maintain a relationship over such a distance, just talking over the phone, proves that your relationship isn’t just based on convenience, physical closeness, or an unlimited supply of oxytocin. Oxytocin, for those who don’t know, is a hormone released when cuddling, having sex or even just holding hands. Basically, the “feel-good” relationship chemical.

Apart from that, by being physically apart, you get a rare chance to step back and reflect on what you truly need in a relationship. Without the constant presence of your partner, you start to notice things, e.g., what you miss, what you value, and what actually matters.

Distance gives you time to navigate life separately and nurture your independence while still being in love – maintaining that strong bond. This builds trust and emotional security: You figure out whether this relationship adds to your life or just fills a space. And when you do see each other again, you come back with a clearer sense of why you’re choosing this person as your partner. There’s something special about knowing that despite the distance, you still choose each other every day.

To quote Jillian Turecki, a renowned relationship coach, “Loving someone isn’t always convenient. Instead, it requires patience, communication, and emotional resilience.” The communication part is something you really practice when navigating a long-distance relationship. Not only to reduce misunderstandings but also to retain the connection between each other.

A lot of people hesitate to study abroad because of their relationship, worried that the time apart will take something away. But what if it actually adds something? 

By going on exchange, you gain confidence in yourself, new experiences to bring back, and proof that your relationship can handle more than just an everyday routine. You come back not just as a more reflected partner but as a person who has lived more, seen more, and grown more.

I am well aware that relationships are a very individual topic, and of course, I can only speak from my perspective. However, I want to acknowledge that long-distance relationships aren’t just international, but also happen within Canada due to its vast geography. But distance doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. 

Let’s be real: if your relationship can handle months apart, maybe even different time zones, facetime calls in wizabu wifi, it can handle anything. And that’s a nice thing to know 🙂  

So, if you’re worried that a semester abroad or a summer apart will end your relationship, don’t be. If it’s strong, it will last. And if it doesn’t? Maybe that’s an answer in itself.