My situation was unusual because my ex and I lived together for 4 years prior to having to go Long Distance. I received a really nice job offer out in Los Angeles that was my first big career move, and she was just getting going in a job she really liked. Her friends and family were all in Ohio as well and I was a bit unsure of how I would like living in LA, so we decided I would move out and see how it went before she uprooted everything and started all over in her career.
When I left we were both floored by how hard it was. After being together for 6 years and living together for 4 it was like losing an arm or leg not having her around. Of course I had to work a LOT and wasn't able to get back as much as we planned and days would come and go when we would miss each others calls. One afternoon she called me and told me she had been in a car accident and had to stay overnight at the hospital. Nothing serious but it shook her up. Looking back that was the day she quit counting on me to be there for her no matter what.
I eventually even moved back to Ohio to try and salvage things but for a lot of reasons it was too late. That was 2 years ago and we still can't even get back to being friends.
So - I think the one thing I would really try to do better is more of the small things. Unexpected gifts with personal meaning. Less monetary and more thoughtful gifts to keep a level of personal connection alive.
Live and learn...
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Oft expectation fails...
and most oft there Where most it promises
- Shakespeare, W.
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