How to Survive a Long-distance Relationship

Last updated on: June 5, 2019 at 11:09 pm by Terry Gaspard

How to Survive a Long-distance Relationship 2019-06-05T23:09:26-04:00 Terry Gaspard

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

With the appearance and frequency of online and app-based dating increasing, young couples are increasingly dealing with the perils and pitfalls of long-distance relationships.

Previously, a relationship hurdle primarily relegated to couples separated by factors like relocating for work, the realities of virtual dating have removed geographical proximity as a prerequisite for romance — young people don’t need to meet, they can now simply, and remotely, “e-meet.”

The issues confronting long-distance couples are so common, that a recent article on marriage.com offers readers a sort of primer on the tough road ahead. Their check list warns of a myriad of problems that can arise, including a “rollercoaster ride full of emotions,” the miscommunications that can be caused by a lack of face-to-face contact, and the feeling of jealousy that can affect couples whose physical intimacy is compromised by their separation.

The authors suggest a fairly level-headed list of preventative steps that can ease the issues of long-distance love. For example, awareness of the aforementioned troubles should inform couples’ expectations. In other words, don’t expect the same level of emotional support that can be derived from a traditional relationship if you’re physically apart. Second, they suggest agreeing on and implementing a set of rules to set boundaries and govern those unrealistic expectations. As they say in the marriage.com piece, long-distance romance can “magnify miscommunication, which sucks really bad.”

4 Tips for success in a long-distance relationship

1. Adopt realistic expectations of each other. Couples that live at a distance need to be more understanding when they can’t see each other due to difficulties with schedules and the cost of travel arrangements.

2. Be sure to vulnerable and communicate about your challenges. I t may seem unnecessary to point this point this out, but couples who have a long-distance relationship don’t have the advantage of being able to read body language and being able to discuss issues soon after they arise. As a result, it may take more effort at times to express your feelings, wishes, and desires effectively.

3. Work on building trust by extending it to your partner. Give your partner the benefit of the doubt. Look for consistency between their words and actions and understand that we are all flawed and sometimes people make mistakes such as forgetting to call or return a text message. Adopting this mind-set will lessen jealous feelings.

4. Arrange to meet face-to face as often as possible. This can help ease loneliness, increase bonding, and enhance emotional and sexual connection.

But ultimately, the only cure for love-sick couples in committed long-distance relationships is good, old-fashioned resilience. In the end, the timeworn cliché holds true — distance makes the heart grow fonder. But for couples in long term relationships, the prescription is clear: go in with your eyes open. Keep your expectations in check, and maintain a steadfast commitment not only to each other, but to building a bond on a mutual understanding that hard times lay ahead. In the end, a long-distance love can last with a little extra trust and perseverance.

Twitter, Facebook, and, movingpastdivorce.com. Terry’s award winning book Daughters of Divorce: Overcome the Legacy of Your Parents’ Breakup and Enjoy a Happy, Long-Lasting Relationship is available on her website.

I’d love to hear from you and answer your questions about relationships, divorce, marriage, and remarriage. Please ask a question here. Thanks! Terry

Uncategorized

love

Marriage

Previous Post

May 30, 2019

Millennials Repair the Errors of Their Parents’ Generation —One Marriage at a Time

Next Post

June 12, 2019 How Can Having a Narcissistic Parent Damage Your Child?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2026 September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

How many books in the Bible are classified as poetry?

Select your answer to see how you score.

5 7 6 4