How long have you been in an LDR?

[Rach321]

We're about to celebrate our 3rd anniversary in about a month... All long distance. Granted, we were able to see each other relatively frequently compared to many other couples (once every 6 weeks or so for a weekend and a couple of weeks at holidays), but I haven't seen him since February and won't see him again til February.

Going into this year-long deployment, I knew that things would be rough. I was heartbroken to know that it would be another year before we would be in the same place. And even now, I'm still not sure when we'll be in the same place for good.

I just keep my spirits up. Remind myself how grateful I am that he's in my life, and I appreciate all of the small things... That's all we can do, really.

[NaNi]

Our relationship also always has been LD. We're officially together for a year at the end of November. We could only meet one time though.

[Pixie]

We started out living in the same city, but he's moved for school. We've been LDR for a month and a week(ish) so far.

[milaya]

Our relationship has always been LDR, so next week it has been 7 months. Those months has really been an emotional roller-coaster ...

[elina]

We've been long distance for "only" about 15 months (depends where you start counting I guess) and even that seems enough for us.. we're hoping to end the distance next summer and I reaaaaally hope that'll happen. I could wait longer because the last thing I'd do is give him up but if I can do it next summer, I most likely will. I guess there's a lot of talking to do about the whole thing.. we're just both pretty fed up with.. how hard it is with all the moving.

5 years seems like a long time but if you love each other the way you do, I'm sure you could do it. It'll be hard, no doubt but if you're there for each other and keep your eyes on the prize, you'll get there eventually
*hugs* hopefully you can end the distance sooner than you thought

[dynomitegurl]

Our relationship has been LDR from start til Oct 18th. It will be 2 years in Dec

[Luisina]

A little over a month, so I'm still a rookie :P

[hxcbreakdance]

Ours became LDR when he went off to college, it's been like 2 months I think? It's on my countdown but I have not looked at it in a while lol

[Yei&Jon]

Always been long distance. -points at signature-

[nicole]

we've been LD just over 2 months, and together for nearly a year. Will have been LD for 11 months/ 1 year before I get back to him, with 2 visits in between. =/

[Caitlin2009]

we have been in a LDR for almost 2 years, hopefully closing the distance in a few months. and dont worry about those debts you'll pay them off sooner then you think just pay whatever you can when you get paid and save up money from your change and pay them off again *huggles*

[Rusty]

Wow, I really feel like a newbie now... two months, and it's all been online...

[Talent_2]

Thanks for all your help and advice guys it's really helped feeling a little more positive I guess I just gotta put every spare penny into my bills to pay them off quicker as well as save up.

Your all inspirational thanks again

[NikkiP]

Have you contacted an agency that could help you consolidate? Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey? These are all excellent resources. Also, if you are comfortable sharing with a complete stranger, I do budgets for people all the time and since I feel your pain, I'm more than willing to help for free. Totally up to you, either way, check out what Dave Ramsey has to say.

I'm also a newbie, been in an LDR 1 month and 1 week. Will be CD no later than June 2011.

[Silviar]

I've been in my LDR from the start, and it's been almost 13 months. Since I'm US and my boy's Australian, we don't have a choice, and I feel you about money - that's one of our top concerns as well.

Even though I put I'm planning to close the distance this May in my link, there's a chance that could be delayed based on a lot of factors. Right now, my boy and I are visiting for two months, but after that he has to get a job, get his driver's license (it's crazy hard to get a license in Australia), and I need to be able to save up enough money to live there for a year living off of it and a part-time job. AND we'll need to do all of that setting up life stuff, so if I don't have enough money... well, it's getting delayed. Also, if I get this really good paying job I applied for, we've decided to delay a bit longer so we can both save money for our future.

I wanted to tell you that I think your plan to get out of debt before you get together is a good one, but don't be afraid to bend it a little if it's going to be too long. I think if you commit to getting it paid off, and you want to on your money, that's good, and very responsible. That sort of mindset will help you and give your relationship a strong base to live off with each other. However, with 5 years... is there a chance you moving with him would end up saving you money because you could share bills and possibly get a better paying job elsewhere? Something to consider - there are many ways to get to your goal of debt free, especially if you aren't planning on getting married right away - you could get it paid off faster.

Some tips, as someone who recently became debtfree:

1) If you eat out, don't. Preplan ahead with all of your food for the week and buy at the grocery store.
2) Overtime or a second job is good, but consider finding a new job that simply pays more.
3) Sell everything. You'd be surprised what you can sell, and you want move with your SO anyways, so lightening your stuff could be a smart start!
4) Try cancelling cable or extra things like that you may have at home. Use the internet for TV, library for books, and so on. It's worth it.
5) Do give yourself some space in your budget for some fun money, but be conscientious about the amount.

I hope that wasn't too intrusive, and it's helpful in some way for you!