As summer turns to fall and fall turns to winter, the weather is getting cooler and, for many of us, that means more family gatherings and dinner parties inside. So, if you need anything from cookware and dining room sets to bedding and wine glasses, my upcoming giveaway is the perfect thing for you!
I am lucky enough to have been contacted by the lovely people at CSN stores, who would like to give a $40 gift card to one of my readers to use as they wish at one of their 200+ stores! But more on that later.
I am lucky enough to have been contacted by the lovely people at CSN stores, who would like to give a $40 gift card to one of my readers to use as they wish at one of their 200+ stores! But more on that later.
First, let me recap my week...
pyramid! (I am in the green bikini).Rehoboth beach was fabulous. Lots of fun, food, and friends. And I managed to get a bit tan! I stayed in a lovely beach house with my best friend and her family, as well as a few friends who were in and out during the week. Highlights of the week included lounging on the beach, happy hour(s), crab feasts, apples to apples game night, and ice cream and rides on the boardwalk, just to name a few.
Here is the best friend, her sister, and me (on the right). I am the maid of honor and her sister (in the middle) is the matron of honor in my friend's wedding in September 2011!So, the vacation itself was great. However, I have decided to call it quits with the boyfriend. Lately, we weren't getting along very well, and I felt like he wasn't treating me the way I deserve. Our personalities were clashing, and it just didn't seem like it was going to work out in the long run. Also, I found myself becoming interested and attracted to other guys, which I took as a sign that perhaps B & I just weren't cut out for each other.
I also have a new love interest--sort of. My brother's friend, who I will call P for privacy purposes, has been my email penpal for the past couple of weeks. We talk online and email back & forth several times a day. The only problem is that P is a Marine Officer currently stationed in JAPAN! Talk about long distance. So, we can't exactly start dating anytime soon. I have known him for years through my brother, and I saw him in March at a friend's wedding, but I never really thought about him in a romantic way--until recently. He is 3 years older than me, so when I was in high school and he was in college (and one of my brother's roommates, no less!), dating each other wasn't really an option. But now that the age gap doesn't matter anymore (I'm 22, he's 25), I really seem to click with him when we talk. But, like I said, the guy is literally continents away, so there's not much to be done about that for the time being. He still has a little less than 2 years over there. Ugh.
But I feel great to be free from my previous relationship. I am ready to explore my options and really learn to depend on myself.
So, there are 2 weeks until school starts. I am feeling nervous and anxious, but also excited. I know I can do it. I know I can survive on my own at school without relapsing. It will be hard, but I am determined to succeed.
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Ok, so, about this awesome giveaway! Basically, CSN stores has been generous enough to offer one of my lucky readers a $40 gift card to use at any of their 200+ online stores. The great thing about CSN is that they have anything you could possibly want--from workout gear and shoes to dining room sets and cookware!
To enter, simply comment on this post telling me what your opinions on long-distance relationships are. Have you ever been in one? Do you think they work, or is it not worth it? Give me your honest thoughts! I'll pick one winner on Friday, August 20th at 9pm EST. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity from CSN stores!
*note: This giveaway is open only to U.S. and Canadian residents.*
Glad you had a great time at the beach! You look so lovely and golden :)
ReplyDeleteAnd its great to hear you so positive about starting school again. You're going to have so much fun!
x Hannah x
I do not like long distance relationships because about 90 percent of the time someone is secretly dating other people too. I have had these long distance relationships before and if its not good enough after dating for year to move to be near each other no matter what then it is not good enough to last. I love CSN too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
jacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
I absolutely love the beach. I am so jealous of your tan! Sitting pool side at my gym simply does not get the same effect.
ReplyDeleteI tried a long distance relationship, and it worked for the most part for two years. However, they take work, trust, honesty, and a lot of phone time. The relationship did have a year to mature before the long distance so that helped. I would not recommend a LDR straight off. Good luck and keep us posted
i'm glad you made a decision you feel is right for oyu- i am also single right now & using this time to build my relationship with myself. It is an important one and an underrated one :)
ReplyDelete& i know what you mean about school but i kNOW you will do awesome this year!! i have 100% faith!
xoxoxox
Hi Coco,
ReplyDeleteI have not been in a long distance relationship, but I know that it is definitely not easy. I think that long distance relationships will work if both people make efforts to communicate and to show love from afar. Even something as simple as a text message in the middle of the day can be as comforting as a real-life hug. I am glad that you and P are already emailing because that could be an awesome way to communicate while he is away.
I am totally excited for your giveaway!!
-Emily
hi beautiful, i think it's important to think about what you want in a relationship. think about yourself and how you might do in that relationship. if it's worth it, go for it, but don't waste your time if it's just something silly.
ReplyDeleteexcited for the giveawayyyy!
I'm an army wife so I'm in a long distance relationship 50% of the time anyway, and it seems to work okay for us. Distance makes the heart grown fonder. But we had time to develop a strong bond before my husband even joined the army. relationships move qickly in the military. People barely date. they get married weeks after knowing each other. For most it works out great despite that. You should be asking yourself if you're ready to get married and move far away. If not, brush off the fellow before he's too invested in you. Otherwise, you'e as good as engaged.
ReplyDeletequitecontrary1977@hotmail.com
My now hubby of 5 years and I were kind of in one while I was in college, but we were still within driving distance. It was frustrating at times, but also made the time we did get to spend together very valuable and meaningful. I think they can be hard, but very rewarding if it is the right person!
ReplyDeleteHey girl!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you seem to be doing well and enjoying life! I really like that you are being mindful of yourself and treating yourself well :) Even calling it quits with your boy - good for you that you were able to feel liberated from it instead of letting the potential despair take over your life. That's strength right there, because change is scary.
As for long distance relationships - I will be a senior in college this fall, and I have had the same boyfriend since my senior year in high school. We go to separate schools now, and throughout the school year see each other about once a month. I also know that there were TONS of other high school couples that went into college with the same thought, "Oh, we'll stay together and it will be just fine and we'll get married and blah blah blah".
That is definitely not the case. It takes more work and more pain than ever imagined, but if it's meant to work out, time spent together will be so rewarding. You will continue to miss that person and think about them every day. It will hurt, but somehow you will realize that it is a good hurt because you are fortunate to have so much love in your heart for someone and to get that feeling in return. I don't believe it is meant to work out unless you have those deep feelings of pain and sadness (and elation upon seeing them again), because why do all the hard work for something that isn't extremely rewarding?
There are three things that make long distance relationships nearly unbearable:
1. The last hug before a long separation - this is when you are holding them as tightly as possible, because you know that when you let go, you will not be in their arms for a long time. This is the last time you can feel their warmth, hear their heart beat, hold their hand, and look into their eyes and see strong emotion looking back.
2. Being at odds with them and not being able to talk about it in person - Solving problems is so much easier face to face. It is really hard to come to an agreement or soothe each others' nerves when you are hundreds of miles apart. And it is very stressful hanging up the phone, knowing that your love is miles and miles away, feeling upset with you for whatever reason, and being aware that you cannot do anything to change how they feel at this very moment.
3. When you are in the depths of despair - when you just need someone to hold you, someone to make you feel safe, someone to wipe the tears from your face or give you a back massage or hug and kiss you. It is so much easier to have this kind of support nearby. It is so hard when you are in so much pain and your solution is physically unable to help you. It can be very lonely.
That being said, there is one thing that happens over and over again that makes those struggles worth it for me every single time: The Reunion.
Your heart is pounding. He climbs out of the car and is fifty feet from where you are standing. His hair is just a little bit longer, but not so long that you cannot see the joy in his eyes and the smile on his face. You can hardly contain yourself as you take deliberate and measured steps towards him. Feigning calmness, you draw closer to his arms, and finally! you are there. You hug him tightly and squeeze as hard as you can. You feel him. Yes! He is real. And so all the emotions you have felt are valid. This miracle of love that you are experiencing is real. It's not too good to be true, because there will be turbulence in your relationship, but if it is the right person, and you both truly want to make it work, it is definitely possible.
Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you do not take.
wow!!!!!! lucky you on the CSN giveaway!!
ReplyDeletei am in a long distance relationship right now as well, with my fiance.. and let me tell you how bad it sucks sometimes. BUT.. it teaches you things about yourself and your relationship.
a few things..
1. there is no make up sex when you fight. you must TALK or WRITE everything out..
2. there is no one to hug you when you are having a bad day, you have to rely on yourself
3. there are days where you will feel so unmotivated to do anything for yourself, those are the days that you have to get out there and do something..
4. when you have a long day and you just want to go home and nap, there he is on the phone, wanting to talk.. see number one.
on the other hand.. you learn how to communicate, how to trust, how to be yourself, how to trust yourself, and over all, be a better person.. you get thru a hard thing like long distance love, and you can tackle anything..
:) good luck girlie, i'll be rooting for you!
PS, i remember going to rehobeth beach! i loved it there!!!
I have been in a long distance relationship before but it didn't work out. My siblings have been in long distance relationships and well they are married to that partner now. I guess it just depends upon the character and the commitment between the two in the relationship. I was also very young when I was in the long distance relationship. I have been married to someone for almost 12 yrs now who grew up in a suburb over from where I grew up.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your trip and got some sun on the beach :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear things didnt work out with the bf but its probably for the best, if you found yourself looking towards other guys then something wasnt right.
I know you really like this other guy but your just out of a relationship and he is based very far away it sounds like it could be an awkward one to manage. Maybe for now just focus on enjoying a bit of freedom and enjoy yourself :-)
xox
Laura
I have never been in a long-distance relationship, but I do believe they can work.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this gift card to purchase a food processor!
I think it is so dependant and unique based on the people in the relationship; their personalities and unique circumstances. Without a doubt, it is trying and challenging! You miss them and want to be with them. I believe that if you choose to make this commitment, and regularily communicate etc- it will workout!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
Barbara
I think it totally depends on the people, and you can make it work, but it is hard and takes a lot of effort.
ReplyDeleteI also think it depends on the people and their beliefs. Never had a boyfriend so no long distance relationship, but from what I've seen/heard, it's very hard emotionally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
I think a long distance relationship depends on a few things.
ReplyDelete1- Trust, if the two individuals sincerely care and trust each-other nothing can deter the relationship.
2- If its an equally caring relationship and not just one individual cares more and thinks the relationship is more than it really is.
3- Communication, is so imporatant about how your feeling, keeping in touch and keeping the relationship alive and finally
4- Making time for eachother meaning making trips to see eachother, skype dates, sending cute things in the mail just to let the other know they are thinking of eachother.
Anything can work out if BOTH parties are willing to work on and with it TOGETHER..
cher_theblondeprincess@hotmail.com
My brother and his gf have been together for almost 9 years now, and they always had to deal with a long distance relationship. I know its tough, but they seem to be getting along really well, and whenever they have time, they always plan to hang out.
ReplyDeletePretty much I think long distance is possible, but you need to trust one another and communicate well :)
Long distance relationships can be pretty tough, and both parties have to be pretty committed. In addition, communication routes have to be pretty open... but I think it is possible. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteLong distance relationships are really rough, especially if you're a jealous person by nature....the what if's can be a killer...what if they're seeing other people? What if they're having one night stands? What if they meet someone else they like better?.....you really can't keep as good of tabs on a relationship when the other person is so far away, so truthfull open communication is key.
ReplyDeleteThat and you have to deal with the lonely part...you can't have your sweetie at a moments notice, but there's no easy fix to that.
It really depends how strong the relationship is and how much you both want it, I was in a long distance relationship for 11 months and it was utter hell, but now I'm married to the darlin' and we've been together for 10 years this September, married for 6 of those 10 years.
It's gonna be a rough road I won't kid you, but if it's ment to be, and you both want it bad enough it can lead to awesome things!
Sweetimpishpixie(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I've never been in a long distance relationship, but i've seen some work out and some not. It looks like it takes a lot of work & commitment, in the same amounts on both sides.
ReplyDeletenblexp at gmail dot com