Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

Despite a wonderful first week, discovering the delights of the city (mainly pizza) and enjoying the highlights of the Erasmus experience (mainly strong drinks and long lie-ins) I am also dealing with getting back into the routine of a long distance relationship. Now don’t believe what people say, a long distance relationship is not as bad as it sounds and there are rather a lot of positive aspects. I know loads of couples from Bath positively dealing with the experience and my advice for those of you who will embark upon one is, do not stress! So of course there are drawbacks, kisses and cuddles are obviously a less than regular occurrence (not to mention anything else). But the old myth ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ also does come into play. When you don’t see someone for a long time, whether it be a lover, a friend, a sibling or a parent, you appreciate the time together so much more and try to make the most of it. Personally, it also does wonders for my independence. No longer do I have to organise myself around my other half (who I hope isn’t reading this or I’ll get a mouthful) and it’s great to be able to go out and make friends without the inevitable drunken row with the mister that comes after too many Jagerbombs. Contrary to popular belief, a long distance relationship does not necessarily mean an instant Skype addiction and a virtual tattoo of social recluse in the middle of your forehead. If both parties involved have the right attitude and there is enough love and trust between the two of you, it is an experience that can be likened to Brad Pitt in Fight Club; extremely doable.