6 Year LDR

I'm currently in a long distance relationship with my best friend. They came out bi and at some point, we realized we felt an attraction for each other (our entire friend group at the time pointed out our flirting for A YEAR, "we're just besties"). Still laugh about it once in a while.

Many say it's very difficult to keep a LDR, while I definitely agree, it also depends on your person! We're comfortable being in a LDR, even if we haven't met IRL (I'm planning to meet them near the end of this year).

We've tried many things together during our 6 years. Video calls once in a while (whenever they feel comfortable), various co-op games (we tried It Takes Two, Genshin, Portal 2, Phasmophobia, PAYDAY 2, MInecraft, Overcooked 2, ROBLOX, etc., yeah it was the first time I invested A LOT on games so we could both play), we've read and shared yaoi together, complained about certain shows/movies, dinner date video calls, talked about our favorite streamers and characters, talked about their OCs (we both draw), and they'd show me around their city (I've stayed up to watch them go to the aquarium so I could see the fish too), they've even bought me whichever fanmade merch I wanted whenever they had artist alleys/conventions in their area. Yup, WE TRIED A LOT, and it was truly the greatest of moments.

Why are we able to do it? We weren't the best at planning, most of it would be spontaneous, and in the middle of our relationship, they were struggling with depression for about 2-3 years (recently had gotten out of depression). I guess it was just time, understanding, and of course love, but there was communication. We're both relaxed about the other in whatever they enjoy or do, either supportive or nuetral, if we didn't think it would work out or either of us didn't feel comfortable with the activity, it was okay, either won't mention it again or try it sometime later! It's important to express how you feel yet understand how your words/actions affect your partner and be considerate.

My partner and I had many MANY talks on our traumas, anxieties, viewpoints on certain relationship situations and are okay to discuss it so we can better understand. We were also very cool about not answering texts or whatnot, we understood we're both busy and it's a 12-hour difference in timezones!! This was something I never had with other relationships and it made me feel secure. I didn't have to feel anxious about how my partner felt about me, and neither did they. And it makes me very grateful for the person I have. We're never perfect, but if you truly love your person, you want to do the best to your abilities to communicate, be a comfort, be a listening ear, and speak your mind aswell. I love them very much, I wish these feeling could stay forever, and I'll really continue to try.