Proximity

I remember in my Journalism class way back in 2007 that the closer the news happened to a community, the more likely the news appeal to them. So, in the little town of Los Baños, our class of 150 students squeezed all the news we could get from the complaints of the fishermen, to the concerns of the mothers in the daycare centers, and what-not. I did not totally get what the rule of proximity was back then, but now that I am older and wiser (?), I've gotten to realize that there are really news-worthy pieces waiting to be written, we just have to really open our journalistic eyes to see.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how this rule applies not only to journalism. The closer something or someone is to us, the more relevant they appear to us.

A friend of mine who has been in a long distance relationship for more than two years has finally closed the gap between her and her boyfriend. One time, after having a dinner with her and some other friends, I asked her “How do you know that he doesn't have another girl in the US?” She explained, “Because we do everything together, even through the computer screen.” They sleep and wake up to each other, eat together, do fun activities together. It’s not like they are ever apart.

But, alas, the physical separation is still undeniably tormenting. A pillow won’t hug you back at night, the warmth of your smart phone isn't the same as holding an actual hand, or a flying kiss can’t be as sweet. Finally, they chose to be in close physical proximity.

But what if the odds were against them? What if there was another girl who could end the physical longing for the boy? What if it was easier to let go than to take chances? After all, you couldn’t be so sure of someone you haven’t really been with for a long time. Is it still worth investing the time, effort, and money?

I’d like to think that faith survives, regardless of proximity. From a Korean series that I’ve watched in the past, it was emphasized that the two essential things in a relationship is faith and loyalty. When faith is given, loyalty is rewarded.

If your lover is somewhere far, proximity may be an issue and someone closer may be more relevant at the moment. But give love a fighting chance, nothing ever easy is worth as much as something your worked hard for.

I salute everyone in a long-distance relationship who patiently works hard until the proximity of their loved ones no longer become an issue.