How Have You Changed?

[meganpillow]

I just wanted to know in general if anybody felt or acted any different since they started their LDR. The reason why I ask is because sometimes I feel like I get offended a lot easier, and I am a lot more sensitive. Does anyone else feel this way? Does anybody feel different? Did anybody realize something when they went away? I want to hear your thoughts. The more details the better, I am actually very curious.

[snow_girl]

I don't think I've really changed in any way. I guess I've become more creative, coming up with new ways to stay close and keep our relationship exciting. Another one maybe is that even though I've always been independent, I've become even more so knowing that I can't always rely on my SO to be there at the drop of a hat.

[sarahrosestevey]

I've changed in that I appreciate little things so much more. Previously, with my CD boyfriends, I must have overlooked these gestures of kindness and whatnot, but now I pay attention to everything... little things he does, like calling up to check about a flight I am going to be on, or anything, really stick with me and remind me how lucky I am to have met him (We started out CD).

I am also a lot more patient. Things change, and sometimes our Skype dates get delayed or postponed, and while to begin with I would be a little irrational, I've realized patience is a vital factor in making our particular relationship work.

I believe he's made me a better person.

[lucybelle]

I think I've become more giving. My SO did everything for me when we lived in the States, and so I try to repay the favor here. It's really hard for me sometimes, but I do my best.

[Turtle]

I haven't noticed that I changed myself. But I've had 2 or 3 different people tell me that I seem different. So maybe I have.

[Hololz]

Personally I feel being in a relationship has increased my confidence 10-fold. That confidence boost has caused me to change in many ways, such as being more assertive, and being less concerned about peoples opionions of me. I'm also learning to worry less about things, but I dont think I'll ever stop completely! lol

[digitalfever]

To trust more.

[Sora1101]

I've stopped destructive habits, I've focused more on school work, I try to eat and drink regularly (before my SO I was constantly in the hospital for malnutrition and dehydration) I just didn't take care of myself and he showed me a reason to live better. I've also become a lot less social with my friends, there was a time when they wanted to hang out all the time but I was much more interested in staying home so I could talk to my SO, now they've kinda stopped trying, I still hang out with them every now and then but no where near what I used to.

[Zapookie]

I've probably matured for the most part. I'm also more giving. This is my first relationship so I did have trouble in the beginning with being needy and getting upset over minor things, but I learned how to communicate my problems to my SO properly and I grew from that. My skins a bit tougher now.

[CarolinaGirl]

I would say I'm different since my LDR started. I've noticed in myself, I'm so much more sensitive to things that never would have affected me before. If I watch a movie-especially romances-I find myself on the verge of tears most of the time, even if it's not really that sad, but I'll be sitting there thinking about my boyfriend every time I see a couple kiss or hug, or anything that just reminds me of him,and how I wish he was here because that's what we should have. That also happens when I see his name or hear it, or if I hear a song that reminds me of our situation. I mean, I don't cry a lot; I never have, but now I just feel like I want to more often than not. I also feel like I appreciate the little things too- just being able to talk to him. I find myself actually jealous of or angry at other couples I see because I feel like they take each other for granted. I've noticed a lot of people really take for granted having their partner there and being close to them, which I never noticed until the person I loved suddenly wasn't so close anymore. I would also say that being in a LDR has helped my attitude. I never was the perfect daughter for my mom, but since my bf and I got together, I try harder to help her and get along better with her. This is because my honey is always telling me to be nice and think about how I should cherish the time I have with her because we both know what it's like to be far away from someone you care about, and she won't always be there one day.

[Xanahtas]

Im a lot more emotionally strong. People saying nasty things dont tend to bother me now, unlike before it used to get to me. I also think and people have told me im a lot more confident now I havent changed that much tho, matured up a lot i guess

[Lumos]

I think I've mostly changed for the better

• I've learned to travel by myself.
• I'm better about remembering important dates.
• I'm very dependent on my electronic devices. My iPhone is always at hand; I can't be without it (which is kind of a good thing because I'll never lose it).
• Less lonely and more lonely at the same time.
• I've had to grow up a bit and get a job. Having money is more important to me now.
• Sometimes I feel like a crazy person because I don't think normal couples have done many of the things we have

I've changed in many other ways since my LDR began, but I think most of them are caused by being in a relationship rather than being long distance.

[loveknowsnodistance27]

I've definitely changed since my LDR began, some ways are positive and some are negative. I've definitely gotten in touch with my creative side more since we became LD and I am a much more patient and understanding person because of it. I've also learned not to take my love for granted and the time that I do get to spend with him is that much more special. I've also become much more insecure and I find that I cry a lot more than I did before. I guess I'm becoming more emotional because of it. I also have matured a lot.

[AEAS]

I've changed a whole lot during the course of my LDR. I'm sure some of it is due to my SO, but I think most of it's just due to me growing up more. I've become much more mature, and calm. Also, I've become much, much happier and more understanding of other people, and more emotional. My SO has changed a lot too, when I first met him he was homophobic, and afraid to really let himself free. Now it's much better, he's more mature, less extremely opinionated, less controlling and less jealous.

[kat4301]

I think I have changed a lot. I feel like I am both more clingy but also more independent. I've really been much better at making friends and being social without my SO, which I think has really benefited me. I like to think I am better with being jealous, but I think it comes and goes. I hope I am more appreciative and understanding. I def. take less for granted and am more attuned to my affect when around other people and talking about relationships.