Relationships are fragile. There are many aspects that are crucial to maintaining a healthy relationship. Those that affect long-distance relationships can be narrowed down to three general terms: communication, trust, and affection.
Firstly, communication is key to any relationship. This is true for both friendships and romantically-inclined relationships. Communication can be defined as a means of connection between people, places, or things. This connection can be severed easily if one party decides not to stay in touch frequently. Communication can be difficult when the two parties are not physically close to one another. Schedules are often hard to coordinate in these sorts of situations. Texting is great, but it is simply not the same as a voice. Also, miscommunication is very common in texting. This can be critical.
When communication is lacking, trust begins to run low. No matter how strong the connection, people naturally have doubts after a while away from one another. There must be an open line to talk with one another, especially during one party’s low points. If the couple does not stay engaged in each other’s lives, they become distant—both physically and emotionally. The miles create a separation of each other’s emotional states.
It is, by definition, easier to cheat when one’s significant other is far away. This fact creates a basis for mistrust in a relationship. This basis can easily be expanded by numerous other accounts. This lack of trust can normally be traced back to a lack of communication. The only true and obvious way to be completely certain of the partner’s loyalty is to know every detail of their life. This is both impractical and suffocating for both parties. It is also extremely unhealthy to rely that heavily on another human.
Affection is almost an impossibility while in a long-distance relationship. Fond touches are often substituted with fond words. This should work, hypothetically speaking. However, it can quickly decelerate into flattery—the compliment’s insincere cousin. This can easily be paralleled to lying and deception. If a remark is not sincere, what is the point of saying it at all? This parallel aids the evolution of mistrust in the relationship.
Each of these concepts are easily avoidable—if one avoids long-distance relationships altogether. It is not impossible to have a successful long-distance relationship, it is just highly unlikely. Simply put, Skype is not the same as an actual date. Texts are not the same as face-to-face conversations. Distance is damaging. However, some couples have no other choice and it should not be seen as a death sentence. It is a hurdle that can be overcome if both parties are willing to put in the extra effort to make it work.
