Virtual Love

I am currently thousands of miles away from my best friend (about 3645.84 more or less). Now if I think of it positively, it could be worse. In my grandparents' day during WWII, they wrote letters and waited weeks for them to arrive. My parents took a big technological step forward and sent cassette tapes back and forth with my grandparents when they lived over seas. As I (not so young) kid I remember emails and when I was lucky long phone calls with friends who moved away. But minutes were always watched because no one wanted to be left holding that long distance bill when it was over.

Thankfully so many more ways are opened up to us. Between instant messaging, twitter, facebook, gtalk, and of course any couple's personal favorite, skype, there is no need to wait patiently to hear from your loved one. Yes, we have all heard about how social networks are taking away our social skills or just give us the impression that we have 800+ friends while slowly separating us from real relationships. However, it is a wonderful feeling that even though far away, I can see what Daniel finds interesting on his facebook, follow what is on his mind on twitter and can speak to him "face to face" on skype whenever I need to be calmed down or just to laugh. We are certainly not the only ones who find solace in virtual love. Although we do not have any (thankfully this is just a brief vacation apart) there are even long-distance pillows to keep you connected from afar.

I remember a line from Clucky and Marian in the Disney version of Robin Hood which quoted the old saying, "'absence makes the heart grow fonder'... or forgetful." And I think that is very true, especially considering the people and circumstances. On many occasions, mercifully for my adolescent heart, being away from someone did help me get over them. Not to mention how (looking back) I am grateful that in several instances being away from someone has given me the perspective I needed to realize that we were not ment to be together. Now, Daniel and I have only been apart for a month and I will see him again in a few weeks, but this limited time apart has opened my eyes. It is not the same as in the past, but still, it is helpful to step away from the cloud nine that I float on when staring into his eyes in order to get a bit logical. And even logically, yes there are things that we both need to work on, not to mention logistical questions that become more prevalent, however my heart is not the only organ agreeing to this partnership. He does not only make my heart flutter, but even on paper, logically, I want to be with him. I am sure that sounds sappy, but when all we have is words through a computer and brief memories holding us together, it is enough to want more. I will continue to feel his love from afar until, in only 14 days, I get feel his hug again.

Now, your Peruicanos challenge for the day: Go and find 10 people who mean a lot to you and give them hugs. Enjoy them while they are here.