While we're waiting...

This is not going to be a sappy "I miss my man" post, nor will it be an expose of all the wonderful reasons I have to miss him. Instead, it is an honest -brief - look at what it means to be in a vibrant, growing relationship from half way around the world.

Some things don't really change.

At home it was "What he doesn't know won't hurt him." Here it is "What happens in Korea stays in Korea." But my response is the same either way, "But I would know."

At home it was "You're late again?!" Here it is "You're late again?!" And my retort to myself when I think that is always "You're upset about that again??"

Some changes are just subtle.

At home it was "I love you, Beth, see you tomorrow!" Here it is "I love you, hon...I can't wait to see you." Either way my response is "Love you too, babe! Can't wait!"

At home it was trips to Starbucks so I could study and he could drink coffee. Here it's rushing to finish my homework so when he gets to Starbucks we can Skype.

But most of the changes are enormous.

I miss having somewhere to put my shoulder, and I don't know what to do with my hands when I'm walking. Words mean so much less when they can't be coupled with actions, so we have to find new words to express what our actions can't. It's so much easier to hide hurt or anger behind a computer screen, it takes a lot of extra courage and patience to explain those difficult emotions over Facebook chat.

The most difficult part is living, not for the past - the wonderful memories we made before I left, and not for the future - the memories we plan to make when I get back. But living now. If I spent all of my time focused on the past or the future, our relationship wouldn't be real or growing.

I love my man, and I am glad we are together today. I am thankful for the time I get to chat or Skype with him. But I am also thankful for all that time we can't be talking. Because he is still in my life. I have him to love, and admire, and miss. Yes, I am thankful for all the sweet times we had before I came here, and Yes! I am so excited to make so many more when I get home. But I am also thankful for the time we have apart, because he is still my man, and I am still his girl. Not even half a globe can change that.