Let's be real—long distance isn't for the faint of heart. It's for the ones who are willing to cry on dog walks with sunglasses on. The ones who whisper we'll figure it out even when every plan falls through. The ones who know love is worth the effort—but still wonder, how the heck do people actually make this work?

So in this episode I dive into this topic that's close to my heart - the rollercoaster of long distance relationships. After navigating my own 2 year international long distance relationship with my now-husband Nate (including military life and visa challenges!), I'm sharing my top 10 tips for making the distance to turn Facetimes into forever. Just to be clear - I once said I never wanted to do long distance or date someone in the military.

But then one summer night in D.C., fate had other plans—and my Aussie heart fell for an American soldier.

From navigating 5-month stretches without seeing each other, to voice calls filled with tears, to the moment I saw him waiting for me at the bottom of the airport escalator… this episode is as raw and real as it gets.

If you're currently separated from your person or considering a long distance relationship, this episode offers practical strategies, emotional validation, and hope that the distance can actually strengthen your bond rather than break it.

Episode Highlights:

• My unexpected journey falling for an American military man while living in Australia
• Why being "all in or all out" is crucial for long distance success
• How to focus on what you can control when apart
• The importance of sharing daily details to stay connected
• Why trust is foundational (and starts with trusting yourself)
• Creating shared rituals, mantras, and future plans together
• Using your "extra time" to invest in personal growth

And because every love story deserves a soundtrack, I'm sharing something deeply personal: the song I had written for Nate during our time apart. It carried us through the lonely nights and played at our wedding. I hope it carries you, too.

Whether you're already navigating the challenges of loving someone from afar or wondering if you should take the leap, this episode offers genuine encouragement from someone who's been there. Because while long distance may not be easy, the right person is absolutely worth it.

Need support? I've got a few free coaching calls open this month. Let's talk about how to keep your heart strong—no matter how many miles are between you: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching