Pandemic Brings Long Distance Couple, Colin“Mogsy” Morris & "Stefanie Schwandt" Closer!

Being separated from your loved one is no cakewalk in the park. As humans, God created us to be relational. We desire love and human touch. The major changes in our world, especially within the last few years, have made it almost impossible to be with the ones we love. As a result, many couples, families, and friends began figuring out ways to say connected. Long-distance relationships are no exception. First and foremost, when I decide to get into this type of relationship, one should be prepared for the challenges that could arise. But, if you find the love of your life, it's totally worth it as many say, "true love is hard to find". In the light of Valentine's Day, I wanted to catch up with a few of my friends who through all odd have made their relationship last despite being from two separate countries. Here's what they shared with me.

What are the names of you and your spouse?

Colin “Mogsy” Morris & Stefanie Schwandt now Morris

How many years have you been together and how did you meet?

We’ve been together for over 2 years now. Stefanie is a singer with PrivatProjekt and I’m a soul radio presenter.

Tell me about the best time together you and your spouse ever had?

We have many but I would say that every day is the best.

What is your fairy tale story?

We fell in love over the Internet. During the start of covid, never a day did we not talk. The fact that we were in two different countries, it didn't make any difference to us.

Where was your first date?

Stefanie came to the UK to visit me.

Who proposed first and where were you when you proposed to your spouse?

I proposed to Stefanie in her apartment – it was funny as it was her first vaccination day. She loves purple, so I bought a purple ring. Although it was summer, we celebrated Christmas as the previous Christmas our dreams were shattered by covid and travel restrictions.

Many people don't understand how to make a long-distance

relationship work. What advice would you give to others who are in the same situation?

Be patient, show your love and respect in other ways, never give in if your heart feels it and follow your dreams.

What type of loopholes did you have to get through during COVID 19 to get married?

We had to spend a lot of money on documents being Apostilled and translated. Brexit made it nearly impossible.

How did travel restrictions pose a problem?

Travel was awful due to covid. It was expensive and traumatic due to testing and restrictions.

What challenges did you run into being in a long-distance relationship?

Just missing her, the closeness, making memories and a whole lot of frustration.

What advice would you give someone who is in a long-distance relationship?

Stick with it if nothing else matters in your heart.

What are the positive things about being in a long-distance relationship?

Growing stronger, passion and knowing the person well.

What makes a long-distance relationship so different than the others?

Missing the little things – contact and experiencing things together

How are you and your spouse alike, and how are you different?

We have lots in common and the language is our biggest difference, but we overcame it.

How important is communication in a marriage?

The most important, respect and truth

How important is dating in a marriage?

Very important but getting to know the person can be done in different ways.

How do you date effectively-being online?

Very well. We also sent surprises to each other and used family members to help.

Do you have any creative online dating activities that you would like to share that you and your spouse do that keep that kept the relationship exciting?

Always talk, let them know your day and activities and include them via video.

Knowing what you know about the challenges of a long-distance relationship, would you have done it again?

Yes, because I found my true love.

What are your occupations?

I’m an anesthetic practitioner & Stefanie is a Kindergarten Teacher.

Do you have children/ Grandchildren, if yes how many?

Not together.

What is your favorite activity you enjoy doing together?

Just being together sharing life

What would you say is the secret to a long happy marriage?

Trust, respect, and conversing.

What was the biggest challenge you and your spouse had to endure that challenged the two of you?

The long time apart due to covid when everything was in place to travel, cases packed and missing memories together.

How do you resolve conflict?

Talk and explain.

What advice would you like to share with newlyweds?

Grow together, get stronger, respect the other's time and space love their family and friends. I would also say, be all that they need and never stop loving or telling them how beautiful they are.