If Patience is a Virtue...

...Then I'm on the often frustrating road to becoming virtuous. Have you ever been involved in a long distance relationship? If so, then you can most definitely understand this whole situation. If not, then let me say this: I'd never wish this on anyone, unless, of course, you need a lesson of patience as I do. I am the stereotypically impetuous, impatient Aries. Patience has all too often been something completely lost on me. But no matter how difficult it may be, I admit that it's been quite a healthy one to learn.

My boyfriend, Mathew, and I have been together since last July. We met doing a local summer production of the Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde. We had a whole month of romance and personal growth. It was "24-7" thing. But issue lay in his departure to his hometown near Cleveland, OH. Yes, Ohio: 600+ miles away. Whether flying or driving, it makes for a relatively strenuous and/or expensive relationship maintenance. But 14 months later, we are still working towards our goal of being together.

"How are you still doing this?" you ask? We see each other on a bi-monthly basis, taking turns visiting the other. Yes, we go 2 months at a time without physical intimacy. I still don't know how I survive. I'm not a fan of self-pleasure. It just doesn't work for me. I guess I'm just fussy. If it ain't Mathew, it ain't happening, you know?

"Then how the hell have you kept this thing going?"

One word: Communication. I know I've come a long way in this department. Even considering that in most of my previous relationships I've been the one promoting it, Mathew has shown me how much more there is to communication between partners. We've both had to explore and accept each others' pasts, as well as our own: what has shaped us into who we are today. He has challenged me, as I him, to delve into our present selves, trying to search ourselves and each other to achieve understanding. We share our hopes and fears of our future. Not many days go by without learning something new. It has kept a vital interest in, and consequent fidelity to, the other. Yet I know that there is still infinitely more to learn.

The precious time we have together is well spent between enjoying each other amongst our friends and family, who enrich our lives, and all-important "alone time." The funny thing is, the unresolved sexual tension is a key factor right now in our relationship. We don't get much time for intimacy, so the build up is enormous. It's like watching your favorite TV show or movie, when you know that two characters should, or will, become romantic. You can see the UST. It's so thick, you can cut it with a knife. And when they finally kiss for the first time, it's fireworks.
Our relationship is just like that. It's frustrating to be apart, but being together is still magical. And as cliche as it sounds, we make beautiful music together.

We're both singers, you see. We both are invigorated by each others' performances. It's a passion in life we share that will direct us in the life we will eventually experience side-by-side.

For any of you who are doing the long-distance thing like me: Endurance will be rewarded. Fidelity will ultimately create the unbreakable bond of Trust. True Love will prevail over all hardship. Hang in there.

Love you, MRod!