For many people, hearing someone say they are in a long distance relationship automatically elicits an internal shudder or even an eye-roll. Long distance relationships aren't REAL relationships, right? And what's the point of them anyway? I must admit, I was once one of these people. Then, I joined the millions of people with significant others that aren't within arms reach. It's completely different, yet for me, it's worth it. This is not to try to sway someone either way, just to present 10 very true facts about these different types of love.
1. Wider options
Sometimes where you live can seem pretty lonely when it comes to finding a significant other. If you hail from a small town like I did, you know that the dating pool isn't exactly vast and diverse. Meeting people online and opening yourself up to a long distance relationship greatly widens your options, and you may find someone you would never have in your area.
2. Independence
Being in a long distance relationship allows you to maintain a great deal of independence. In my current relationship, I do my thing, my boyfriend does his, and we come together when it's possible. Of course I miss him, but it's the best of both worlds. When we are online, we enjoy each other's company, but the pressure to always be together isn't there like it can be for people in geographically close relationships.
3. Time apart is REALLY hard.
One of the absolute worst things in a long distance relationship is the lack of physical interaction. I don't mean sex. I mean something as simple as being on the couch while your significant other is cooking dinner or being able to lay your head on their shoulder when you've had a long day. Humans need that physical connection, and going months without that is draining.
4. Intimacy is different.
Yes, it is still possible for long distance couples to remain intimate. However, it takes a LOT more work and plenty of compromise. Communication is the most important thing here, and it all varies from couple to couple.
5. Trust is key.
If you do not have the ability to trust your partner, a long distance relationship will fail. In a geographically close relationship, you can observe your partner day to day and reassure yourself that they are being trustworthy if you have issues. In a long distance relationship, you have to trust from the beginning because sometimes you can't know what they're doing at all times.
6. You live on Skype, FaceTime, etc.
These programs, in particular, have been lifesavers for my boyfriend and me. We Skype almost every evening as I do my homework and wind down. However, I never thought it would quite literally become our lifeline to one another. It's as integral a part of our relationship as we are.
7. Planning for the future is terrifying.
Trying to bring two people from two very different places and backgrounds together to start a future is scary and difficult. The way long distance relationships differ, however, is usually one person is having to make the sacrifice to leave everything behind and move to where the other person lives. Also, having only been long distance, the fear that it won't work out once you're truly together can be horrible.
8. Communication is strong.
In a long distance relationship, you often don't have the ability to read body language or facial expressions. This means you must be exact and specific about your communication at all times. You must also learn the other person inside out and understand them fully to prevent innocent misunderstandings.
9. It can be expensive.
Gas, plane tickets, hotels, etc. All of these things are very real parts of being in a long distance relationship. Trips are usually rare because they can be so costly depending on how far apart you live from one another.
10. They can be just as rewarding as any other relationship.
As I noted before, many people automatically turn their nose up at the idea of a long distance relationship. However, for me, it has been one of the best decisions I ever made. I have a wonderful boyfriend, the ability to still be independent while I focus on school, and a bright future to look forward to (once we decide who's moving where). I believe everyone should at least give it a chance, because you never know what, or who, you could be missing out on!
