HEY MIKE! I recently moved to another state, which means I left behind my school, my friends—and my girlfriend. I’ve gone through a lot of changes lately, so saying goodbye to the only girl I’ve ever been in love with is more than I can handle. I told her that I don’t want to break up. Here’s my question: Can we still have a relationship even though there are hundreds of miles between us? Or will we end up growing apart? It scares me to think what might happen.
—J.W., Denver
A long-distance relationship isn’t impossible. Is it easy? Certainly not. (You both have to work hard at staying connected.) Will all those miles eventually pull the two of you apart? It’s a definite possibility. I know this may not be what you want to hear, J.W., but I just can’t pull any punches.
Daily e-mails and phone calls are great way of staying in touch, but they simply can’t be substitutes for face-to-face interaction. Don’t get me wrong: The two of you can continue to be friends—even a “guy/girl” item. But understand that the miles between you have already changed your relationship. It simply can’t be the way it was.
I agree with you, J.W.: Change is hard (even scary)—and it sounds as if you’re having to deal with more than your share. But I promise, you’ll get through it . . . and will even find ways of handling tougher changes in the future.
As far as your relationship is concerned, I suggest that you avoid clinging to the past. Be thankful for the friendship you’ve shared, but—as you trust God—hold it out and let Him take it. He may give it back, better than before. 
