Don't Forget Your Relationship

Long distance relationship is a lot more work than most people realise. Being in a long distance relationship is almost like being single, but not available. You have to find things to do to fill up your time especially if the next time you will see your partner is going to be months away. 

In a good way, you do things to things to distract yourself from not being with your partner. The last thing you want is to feel miserable about being alone. Distractions can be working on your fitness, working on a side project, hobbies, etc. Things you do to have fun and focus your energy on, so you can forget that naggy lonely feeling.

As good as distractions are... it can also be a bad thing for your long distance relationship. This might be an entirely different experience for some couples in long distance relationships. I am speaking from my experience. One of my 'hobbies' is playing futsal (indoor soccer). Whenever I get stressed or unhappy. Futsal is my outlet. On a good week, I can play up to 3-4 times a week. I am not a great player, but I want to be a good player. It's something I do for myself to feel good because if I want to improve my game, I have to push myself harder at training and at our games. It all depends on me (no one else) for me to be a good player.

Recently, my team was selected to play field soccer. Something I have been wanting to try but didn't have the opportunity/team to join. Being one of the longest members in the team, my futsal buddy Laila and I became the managers for this league. Even though it was just a social league where we play to have fun and for exposure, it was quite a challenge to get a solid team!

Since it's my first time playing field soccer with a team, we needed training and joined friendly games with other teams to gain some field exposure. It takes up a lot of time. I barely have time to do my errands, have dinner at home with my parents or work on my relationship. Our daily Facetime session became quick goodnight texts or right before I go for training/game, we would give each other a quick summary of our day and say goodnight. 

When I do have some free time, all I want to do is sleep. I get so caught up with my 'distraction' that I forgot to devote time and energy to my relationship. I feel bad! One of my biggest fears is that since I have this outlet to fill my time and attention to, I might forget my long distance relationship. I don't mean forgetting the relationship as a whole, but the feelings, connection and everything else related. 

I've expressed this to Don. My sweetheart is ever supportive. Saying it doesn't change anything between us and he will always support me in my hobbies. We managed to work around my busy schedule and find time to talk to each other. I truly found a keeper. 

Inspired by this LDR Writing Prompt: Fears