long-distance relationship
How useful is a long-distance relationship?
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True love cannot separate anything – not even physical distance? When a long-distance relationship makes sense and what needs to be done about it.
They used to be Long distance relationships an anomaly that often only appeared later in an existing relationship. A person had to move for study, work or military service and the relationship had to adapt to this change – if it was not dissolved first. Nowadays we can love each other from a distance for other reasons too. With the internet it is easier than ever to have one romantic relationship at a distance enter into.
A long distance relationship can be challenging. But it also has the potential to become something really big. No matter whether near or far – partnerships always involve work. If you are in a long-distance relationship or considering one, it may be helpful to read the general Advantages and disadvantages to know this type of relationship.
How long can you have a long distance relationship?
For many, having a long-distance relationship seems almost impossible. But that is far from the case. Yes, long distance relationships come with challenges and difficulties that are not present in geographically close relationships. But that doesn’t mean your long-distance relationship is doomed to failure. Or is only possible for a certain period of time. Studies have shown that people in long-distance relationships same or higher level of satisfactionstrong communication and intimacy.
How does a long distance relationship work best?
So, taking the study cited above into account, this means that maintaining positive emotions and interactions, as well as providing feelings of safety, security, and connection, are just as important for long-distance relationships as they are for same-city relationships. To put it more simply: What you would do in a geographically close relationship also applies to long distance relationships. Immerse yourself in your partner’s world, even when he/she is away. Let him/her share the embarrassing faux pas that happened to you during your lunch break. Send pictures of the sunset from your window or the dinner you cooked for yourself. But there are more Tipsthat you can take into account.
- Try to see each other regularly: When it comes to communication, video calls are already a big step forward. However, personal, physical contact is also particularly important. Long distance relationships can work just as well as relationships in the same city – as long as you meet in person as regularly as possible. It is important to gradually find out at what interval these meetings should take place. At best, quarterly is recommended.
- Plan your next meeting straight away: It is important that you always know when you will next see each other in person. A specific date means you always have something to look forward to.
- Follow normal relationship rules: Communicate openly, make your expectations and needs clear, strive for intimacy and trust. It’s important that you both keep your promises. For example, if you plan to talk on the phone once a day, consider this an essential part of your relationship.
- Speaks morning and evening: A check-in in the morning and in the evening before bed can be important. This way you’ll feel like you’re connected at the beginning and end of the day. In a long-distance relationship, the morning and evening hours can also be the times of day when you feel the loneliest. Therefore, it is advisable to be in touch in these moments.
- Respect and understanding: Respect where your partner is right now – both physically and emotionally. If a person is exhausted after a long day at work, then it is important to understand that they may need some time to recover before they are ready for an interview. This understanding is usually accompanied by trust.
- Share meaningful conversations and moments: Daily conversations are important, but it’s also important to dig a little deeper. Find activities you can do together remotely: like watching movies, reading books, or other activities you enjoy. This creates opportunities for you to feel connected.
- Talk about the future: Long distance relationships can be challenging. This makes it all the more important to keep an eye on the future. Talk regularly about what the coming weeks, months or even years look like. This can make it easier for you to realize that a long distance relationship doesn’t have to be forever and will look like it does now.
- Asks about the other person’s feelings: With questions like: “How can I support you?”, “What do you need most from me right now?” or “How are you?” you get closer to each other in an emotional way. Is your partner not feeling well? Then prepare for an emergency visit. Can’t you physically be present right now? Then surprise him/her with delivered flowers or send him/her food.
- Address changes: If something has changed in the relationship, it is important that you talk about it. Ask whether the other person perceives the same thing and finds common solutions.
- Don’t be afraid of sexting: Sexting might sound a bit shameful at first, but it can be a great way to keep the spark alive in a long-distance relationship. However, it is important to find a time when you are both comfortable and in the mood to do this. Tips are here: Sexting.
Advantages of a long distance relationship
- Emotional connection and intimacy: Many people start a relationship based on their physical attraction and chemistry. Since partners in a long-distance relationship often first get to know each other before becoming physically intimate, they can first develop effective communication skills and an emotional bond.
- Trust: Trust is an important part of a romantic relationship. Since you have your own life outside of the relationship in a long-distance relationship, you can learn to respect your loved one’s time while enjoying your own. You could also develop a routine by checking in at different times throughout the day. This builds trust and conveys a feeling of security.
- Resilience: Many partners who are in a long-distance relationship look forward to one day also forming a geographical unit. It’s not without reason that distance can sometimes be a stress factor. Overcoming this stress and finding ways to deal with it together can strengthen your resilience as a couple.
- More Me Time: Are you a person who gets a lot of energy from being alone? Then a long-distance relationship might even be perfect for you. Our everyday lives are already filled with work, hobbies and friends. Of course, you shouldn’t underestimate the time that a long-distance relationship requires – but at least during the week you can be sure that you have enough time for yourself.
Challenges of a long distance relationship
- Expectations vs. Reality: When we spend time with our partner every day or at least regularly, the interactions include a lot of everyday things, like being sick, shopping, brushing our teeth, or just sitting exhausted in front of the TV. However, in long-distance relationships, expectations that in-person meetings are magical, full of fantastic sex, and especially romantic often push the boundaries of how life actually works.
- Misattributing relationship problems: In long-distance relationships, the distance makes it easier to dismiss or ignore relationship problems. We attribute them to stress, the distance itself, or the absence of the other person. It’s harder to assess whether the other person is truly committed to the relationship because we can’t observe the behavior on a daily basis. Research has found that emotions like excitement, jealousy, love and anger tend to be more extreme among people in long-distance relationships – meaning they’re more likely to make emotional decisions and have unnecessary arguments.
- Challenges in communication: A long-distance relationship can be challenging if you have problems communicating. Always remember that text messages can be difficult to interpret, whether your relationship is new or long-standing. You may prefer to agree to discuss important topics over the phone to reduce the risk of misunderstandings. Here are tips: Improve couple communication.
- Lack of physical intimacy: If you’re a person who values physical closeness, trying to have a long-distance relationship can affect your mental health and overall well-being. The lack of physical connection can also negatively impact your relationship if you or the other person expresses love through physical touch. Find out what your love language is.
- Online risks: Many long-distance relationships start online. Regardless of whether you meet your potential true love through a dating app or a website, you should exercise caution and not ignore nasty dating scams and red flags. The latter can include: your messages or calls being ignored for a long time; refusal to discuss a face-to-face meeting; Frequent requests for financial support.
- Financial burden: Financial stress is an obvious factor that every person in a long-distance relationship has probably faced at some point. See how you can get the most out of your trips and where it’s worth saving.
Date ideas for long-distance couples
Let’s summarize: Long-distance relationships can be stressful. But the fact that you’re not together 24/7 doesn’t automatically mean your relationship has to suffer. Certainly no online activity can replace the feeling you get when you can finally hug each other again after a long time. However, with the right amount of creativity and effort, you can keep the spark alive – even if you’re miles apart.
- Movie night: Is there a new movie you both really want to see? Then turn it on on each of your devices while you are on the phone via video chat.
- Wine tasting: Many companies offer tasting packages that are delivered directly to your home. This way, each of you can order a package and you can try it together while you talk to each other on the phone.
- Book club: Whether you’re interested in non-fiction or the latest crime novel, reading the same book will always give you something to talk about.
- Cook together: Thanks to Facetime, Skype and the like, we can meet anywhere. Just set a time and cook dinner together.
- Deep talk questions: Deep talk questions are a great way to get to know each other on a deeper level.
Conclusion: How useful is a long-distance relationship?
A long-distance relationship can be challenging, but it can also offer the opportunity to build a lasting relationship. Any type of relationship is work, but if you’re willing to fight for your love, communicate well, and show interest in each other’s lives, all types of relationships can turn into something great.
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