"Love is like an earthquake - unpredictable, a little scary, but when the hard part is over you realize how lucky you truly are" (Unknown).

If only it were that simple.

My post-college dating life has been problematic - to put it nicely.

 I wish I was one of those girls - you know the type - fall in love while in college; get engaged after graduating; plan your wedding and new life together.

Instead, I was dumped by my college boyfriend and completely unsure as to how to go about dating. Blind dates, visiting local bars, none of it seemed to work for me. Then, I tried something new; I joined the world of online dating. I was skeptical initially. A girlfriend recommended I try it. She told me that if all else failed, I could meet new people, visit new restaurants, and delete my dating profile without anyone knowing.

Despite my early skepticism, I was intrigued. How do you meet people online? Is it terrifying the first time you meet in person? I quickly found out how easy and fun online dating could be. While I could say I went on numerous dates and received copious emails from potential suitors, I would be lying (a lot).

I did email back in forth a few times with various people. And I did receive a few slightly awkward and creepy emails from older gentlemen. However, I only went on one date. Six months later, we are still together.

Online dating - it works!

Things have been wonderful. I met someone who I want to spend as much time as possible with. He makes me laugh. He challenges me. He respects me. He makes me incredibly happy and both my friends and family have come to care dearly for him, just as I have.

And then the earthquake we call love (quoted above), strikes. He was offered a job across the country.

Cue heartache, loneliness, and lack of faith.

I want to be excited for his upcoming move; I know it is an incredible opportunity for him to advance in his career. Yet all I can think about is that the person I love and care for is leaving. Leaving me behind. This is a completely selfish attitude, I realize. I believe it stems from my sadness and fear of long distance dating.

I must ask - have you done it? What makes it work? I am willing to try because I certainly do not want to say goodbye to him, but I have to be honest - I am afraid.