How to Work the Distance in a Relationship
Long-distance relationships are actually fairly normal nowadays. Before you would only find yourself in a long-distance relationship if your significant other moved away or was in the military. But since the miraculous invention of the internet — plus all the dating sites and apps we have today — the sky is the limit when it comes to today’s dating world.
In fact, many relationships even start online today. So what is the deal? Are long-distance relationships in now? Let’s be real, it is never ideal to be long-distance, but it is totally normal now.
Today we have so much technology that keeps us connected with one another near and far, the idea of being away from each other isn’t as scary as it used to be. However, while distance isn’t a deal breaker, it does require a bit more attention than your usual relationship.
For starters, communication is not only key but it is golden when it comes to distance. You both need to be expert communicators to ensure your message and tone are coming across the way you intend. A lot of people say it is easier to explain things in person than via text. Well that excuse won’t cut it in long-distance relationships, so if you notice your communication isn’t coming across the way you want, don’t be lazy. Pick up the phone and call your long-distance lover. Or better yet, maybe video chat a few days a week. Tone of voice and physical imagery can really help distiguish so many things like sarcasm, jokes, etc.
Another huge factor is time itself. If you are long-distance, you don’t just get a free pass to never have relationship time with your partner. While you do have a bit more freedom on a day-to-day basis, a relationship takes time to build. So set a certain time each day or day of the week when you have a long-distance date and start a movie at the same time together or simply FaceTime to catch up. Or actually plan a trip to see each other in person. Depending on how far you actually are from each other, that may be easier said than done. But if it is possible, it is deffinitely worth arranging around a day or even weekend that works best for both of you. If you never have in-person time together, you run the risk of wondering if you are being catfished.
So morale of the story: Communication and time is everything in a long-distance relationship. They can work, but it takes both parties to make an effort to ensure it last more than just a couple days, months or years. Obviously the end goal is to end up actually together at some point, but that requires work and persistence. It is not for everyone, but if you are up for the challenge, know that it is rewarding in the end. Especially if it is true love, and both partners are in it for the long haul.
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Christina aspires to be a public relations professional in a big city after graduation from James Madison University. In her free time when she’s not blogging away about dating and relationships, Christina loves to go shopping, watch Netflix and play with every puppy that crosses her path.