When you finally found someone worth holding onto after a never-ending search, you’d do great lengths to make and keep your love burning. However, fate has different funny ways of testing us; we sometimes end up being thousands of miles away from the person we love.
But does long distance relationship really work? And should you keep holding on to this?
No matter how much you love one another, a small part of you still worries if your long-distance relationship will work. Long-distance relationships happen when couples have to move for a job or school, which means they cannot see each other for months or even years. While everyone would not want to go through this, the good news is that LDR works.
If you are still reading this guide, it may be because you’re starting to have doubts about your relationship with someone far from you. Keep on reading as we are about to give tips on keeping that love burning even at a distance.
What You Will Learn on This Page
What is a Long Distance Relationship? Does it work?
Nowadays, falling in love even when at a distance is possible. Online communication makes it simpler than ever to start relationships, whether they be romantic or not, without ever meeting the other person in real life.
We have possibilities to interact with and learn from people from all over the world in our digital environment. And this increases the probability of finding love, even thousands of kilometers from home.
Yes, LDRs face problems and difficulties that do not exist in close-knit relationships, but this does not mean they cannot work. According to studies, those who live in LDRs report higher or the same levels of contentment, effective communication, and intimacy.
Regarding communication, video or phone calls, emails, and texts are still on top of the list. Face-to-face interaction, however, is crucial and certainly different for those living in LDRs. In other words, as long as the two persons meet in person at least a few times a year, LDRs work similarly to same-city relationships.
Tips to Survive a Long Distance Relationships
If you want to make your long-distance relationship work, take comfort in the understanding that it can survive without a doubt. Most dating or married couples discover themselves physically apart at some point.
In fact, some couples even consider a period of lengthy distance as the foundation of their stronger bond.
Below are some ideas you might want to consider.
- Communicate Openly
Use as much or as little communication as you need to feel a connection. Make it clear what you need and what you expect. Be willing to adjust your communication styles as life brings new and unexpected challenges. As long as you and your partner agree, dedicating a significant amount of free time to catching up can be an excellent gift for individuals in long-distance relationships. - Be there.
The most contented relationships are those in which each partner can successfully respond to the emotional needs of the other. This essential component of a successful relationship isn’t any less significant just because you cannot physically be there for each other on their special days or reassure them with a hug. Even if you cannot physically be there, be there nonetheless. - Constantly express your love.
Remind your partner frequently what you love about your relationship. The next time you talk, say how much you appreciate your partner. It’s nice to say, “I love you, and I wish we could be together today,” as it is to hear. - Be positive
Focus on the positive aspect of long distance. Even though being apart could seem frustrating, try to come up with a few ways your long-distance relationship is beneficial. On the worse days when the distance is getting to you, list its advantages and focus on them. - Respect the reason why you’re apart.
Remember that there is an important reason why you are far from each other now; it could be a career or family situation. Do not let your impatience to be together cause you to waste months or years of progress. If you complete what you’ve started and complete it well, your relationship will be stronger in the long run.
Pros and Cons of Long Distance Relationships
There are pros and cons of a long-distance relationship that you should consider if you and your partner are committed to making it work.
Here are some of the advantages of long-distance relationships:
- It allows you to have time to yourself.
- It might be your only chance to keep a relationship going.
- You have a range of choices.
- You can concentrate on your objectives.
- Relationships that far apart provide you greater flexibility
- Possibility of developing trust
- There will be more free time for you.
- Maintaining long-distance relationships can be made more accessible by technology.
- Long-distance relationships can help keep the spark in existing ones.
- You’ll value each other more.
Meanwhile, here are some of the disadvantages of long-distance relationships:
- Your partner might cheat.
- You’ll think about your partner a lot.
- Loneliness may develop from long-distance relationships.
- Feeling of insecurity due to long-distance relationships
- Jealousy is a big problem in long-distance relationships
- Long-distance relationships can be emotionally demanding
- Mental issues can arise.
- Long-distance relationships are only a temporary solution.
- You might soon take other paths as you mature.
- There’s no physical intimacy at all.
No matter what, you and your partner should weigh the advantages and disadvantages to see if you are genuinely dedicated to sticking with each other despite your distance.
Final Thoughts
Although it might be emotionally challenging, long-distance relationships are worth it. If you can make it through them because distance means so little when someone means so much to you.
Yes, long-distance relationships work, but it takes effort from both parties for the relationship to remain intact. LDRs work similarly to relationships with close proximity. If you treat them similarly, you will likely be able to make it work.
Doubts, fears, and jealousy can become very strong in long-distance relationships because you spend so much time apart. So, don’t be scared to seek certainty if you’re unsure where to stand.
Be trustworthy and strive for intimacy. It’s crucial to respect your commitments and keep your word.
On the other hand, if you’re in a relationship with the person you want to spend your life with, you’ll need to create a plan for your future together. Make sure your plan considers the right next step for both parties at the right moment, whether it includes a wedding, an engagement, a career shift, or a move.
You may get through the most challenging days of being separated from one another by
holding onto the hope of a long-term relationship.