Does Love Survive Long Distances?

Long-distance relationships are not as uncommon as you might think. A lot of students who got together during high school find themselves going to different universities. Additionally, military couples or couples where one of the partners must work remotely for an extended period of time are also familiar with the LDR routine. Contrary to common belief, LDR have as good a chance of lasting in the long term as relationships where partners are in the same geographical area. In other words, statistics show that love can survive long distances. Reports even show that couples committed to LDR find higher levels of satisfaction and trust in the relationship. However, not all long-distance couples manage to stay together. So if distance isn’t a cause for breaking apart, what happens? 

#1. LDR last only if distance is a temporary factor

When it comes to LDR, distance is not a permanent factor. Couples who are apart for several months are also committed to reuniting physically at the end of the geographical separation. When one partner fails to work toward the reunion, the relationship suffers. Couples understand they can’t be together at all times, but what makes the distance manageable is the knowledge that the distance can be overcome. When a partner constantly postpones the reunion, the other partner may be tempted to initiate a separation or even a discussion with a divorce lawyer on the basis that no effort is made in preserving the relationship. There can be no commitment to the relationship if only one partner cares about breaking the distance. 

#2. You have to find ways to break the distance

Long distance is not impossible to close. Partners find many ways to get together, both physically and virtually. For instance, when traveling is an option, partners can choose to meet halfway in a location that is accessible to both. When time or commute is making it challenging, call conference solutions such as Zoom or FaceTime can help bring your loved one closer. Hearing their voice or seeing their face can already make a big difference in the relationship. 

#3. People can grow apart

Long or short-distance relationships can grow apart. As people face new experiences and challenges, they could find themselves developing new interests, routines, and needs. Growing apart makes it hard to reconcile the relationship. Even when both partners care and respect each other, falling out of love can happen to anyone. 

#4. Love is a promise to a shared future

Why do people stay together? It can be an odd question to ask. Yet, the answer is straightforward. Togetherness is built on the desire to share a common future. In conclusion, both partners need to have the same hopes and aspirations for their future together. When partners don’t have a common goal, they could unknowingly work in different directions to progress their relationship. In the long term, supporting one partner’s happiness could lead to the other’s unhappiness. For instance, if one of you wants to start a family, while the other pictures a child-less future free of responsibilities, your end goals are likely to clash and eat at the relationship. 

Geography doesn’t tarnish your feelings for each other. However, the lack of effort in the relationship can turn your sweet love story sour. Love survives the distance. But it doesn’t survive growing apart, having different future expectations, and postponing togetherness.