This week we are sharing the story of long distance couple Sarah and Jonathan.

Sarah lives in Missouri, USA & Jonathan lives in Tennessee, USA. There are 555 miles of distance between them.

They have been long distance for most of the 2 1/2 years that they have been together. They recently became engaged in October of 2013 and plan to end their distance for good in May to start planning their wedding together! Congrats!

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How did you meet & how long has your relationship been LDR?

Jonathan and I met in his small, Texas hometown the summer of 2011. We were both working the same position at a summer job. We hit it off immediately, and about half way through the summer we began our secret affair (we weren’t sure how our job would feel about us dating).

When August rolled around and we had to head back to our respective schools (me in Missouri and he in Texas), we decided to take a risk and go for it!

We’ve had three different distances since then, but it’s been long-distance ever since, and we couldn’t be happier. In fact, we got engaged in October! : )

This image is from when he proposed! It was a fairy tale. <3

How has being long distance shaped your relationship?

Jonathan and I are both very independent people, and have never been in a relationship prior to each other. The long distance has been manageable, because we didn’t know what to expect, and it has taught us so much about ourselves.

It’s incredible to think about the summer 2011 versions of us compared to now, we have both grown so much individually, and as a couple!

What are the obstacles you face being LDR & how do you overcome them?

We are incredibly lucky in terms of LDR couples. Our families and friends have been nothing but supportive from the beginning. We’ve struggled with being poor college students, but we always make it work.

Also, with only 500-some miles between us, we can manage monthly visits!

There, of course, have been a fair share of obstacles. But every single time they pop up, without fail, we sit down on Skype and TALK IT OUT.

Even if it takes hours or days, we talk it out until it is figured out and we are both happy. Communication is our strongest point, without question.

What are the things you love about being in an LDR?

It has made us so strong! It has also made us practice the really important things that make a relationship work – communication and trust. It was rocky in the beginning, but working through everything TOGETHER has made us so strong, both individually and as a couple.

How do you stay connected while you’re apart?

Texting is our big thing. Constantly texting! We Skype every night as well, and call each other when we feel like it.

We never allow a lack of communication because we feel clingy or silly. We just let it all out!

We used to use the app ‘Couple’ religiously, but he upgraded to a Windows Phone, which doesn’t have support. I miss that app. : (

What helpful advice would you give to other LDR couples?

Never stop talking. Talk about everything. The small things, the big things, the things that don’t make sense and that might light a spark.

The ones that make you sad and fill you with glee.That’s what LDRs have…the ability to really talk. It’s all we’ve got! : ) USE IT!

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We love to feature the stories of long distance couples from around the world, young or old, new or veteran. If you think your story is worth sharing and if you’d like to be featured on LDR Magazine, share your story with us!