Long-distance relationships aren’t all bad. In many cases, they can actually be great for determining the long-term viability of a relationship. Distance will tell you, in its own way, whether you have a love that can stand the test of time or one that is destined for the divorce papers.
The added tension that comes with not seeing each other every day can teach you how you’ll handle conflicts together and if time away from your partner is a blessing or a curse.
In the history of marriage, I don’t know of any successful ones that were conducted exclusively when the two parties were miles apart. You never hear stories about people married 60 years where they tell you the key to long-lasting love is to spend as much time away from one another as possible.
Therefore, I think it’s safe to say that long-distance relationships are only successful when they are temporary, and when you adhere to the following principles.
1. You make time together a top priority.
If you’re perfectly happy being away from your partner, then why are you together in the first place? There does need to be a sense of loss that drives you to make time for one another, no matter how tough or impractical it is. Meeting halfway for weekend dates, taking vacations at the same time just so you can be together — these are essential steps if you want your long-distance relationship to turn in to something long-term. It may be tough, but it’s worth the sacrifice if the relationship is worth it to you.
2. You work hard to make the situation temporary.
Professional and educational obligations may keep you apart for an extended period of time, and that’s okay as long as your endgame is to be together at the same address. At some point, you’re both going to have to address the elephant in the room and ask these questions: How long are we going to keep this up, and what do we need to do to be together-together instead of together-apart?
3. You maintain respect for what your partner is trying to accomplish.
The tough part of the long-distance relationship is knowing when to say when on the distance thing without disrespecting your partner’s goals. After all, you both may be getting tugged in different directions that make coming together any time soon impossible. It’s important that you pay heavy attention to Nos. 1 and 2 on this list while using this item to balance the two. You don’t want to make sacrifices before it is time or else it could be a source of resentment in the future. If one of you does have to make a sacrifice in the short-term, make sure the sacrifice is reciprocated at some point in the future.
Have you ever survived a long-distance relationship? What were some tips that really helped you? Share in the comments section.