(Disclaimer: The above photo is not the necklace in question. See People Magazine link for photo of actual necklace.)

Long distance relationships are hard. You swap pillows, steal t-shirts, and write each other romantic snapchat exchanges. (WYD?) Heck, maybe you even express your devotion with a piece of jewelry that isn’t on THAT finger.

We’ve learned through People Magazine‘s exclusive preview of Finding Freedom that Meghan Markle went head-to-head with palace aides over her wardrobe and a subtle hi to Harry.

People is reporting that in December of 2016, Meghan Markle was snapped in a $300 minimal-chic 14-carat gold chain with the initials “H” and “M.” And we’re not talkin’ fast fashion.

Before you can say, “Deal or No Deal,” Markle received a surprising phone call. “She was advised that wearing such a necklace only served to encourage the photographers to keep pursuing such images — and new headlines,” Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand write in Finding Freedom.

Sources close to the Sussexes told the authors, Meghan “said little during the call, choosing instead to simply listen to the counsel. But after hanging up, she felt frustrated and emotional. While she knew the aide had good intentions, the surreal experience of having someone from her boyfriend’s office tell her what kind of jewelry to wear or not to smile at a photographer was too much.”

This made Meghan increasingly unhappy. She told a friend, “I can’t win. They make out like I’m to blame for these pictures, that it looks like I’m encouraging them, that me even acknowledging the cameras may not be sending the right message. I don’t know what to say. It was only yesterday that people online were saying I look miserable in pictures, because I was trying to just ignore the [photographer].” Translation: Smile, wait, but not in the direction of the paparazzi… and don’t dress too nice but don’t wear anything too flashy. Great. Thanks.

This is why I just wear pajamas with Chris’ face on them. Problem solved.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have recently taken heat from Piers Morgan and separately, Meghan’s father, over allegations of bullying or unfair behavior by palace aides and the media. Mr. Markle told The Sun, “This is the worst time in the world for them to be whining – people everywhere are suffering due to the pandemic.”

Kinsey Schofield is the Editor-in-Chief of To Di For Daily and you can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.