Long Distance Relationships: Do They Work

When I was in school, one of the teachers had recommended a book of phrases which we were supposed to learn and use to make our essays 'better'. In that book the duality of two phrases really struck me. I found, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder', in one part of the book and 'out of sight, out of mind', in another part. That really got me thinking. Which of these phrases really hold true in life, and what are the situations in which they are applicable? Can long distance relationships work? And if they do, how to make a long distance relationship work?

Long Distance Relationships

A long distance relationship is defined as a relationship between two people who are geographically separated, and is one of the most common relationship issues today. Long distance relationships: do they work? Many people question the very logic of this term. What kind of 'relationship' exists really between two people who are physically apart? Where is the relationship? If there is an understanding between the two people who have to unfortunately stay apart from each other, the relationship can indeed be maintained. So do long distance relationships work? It may, but it requires a sterling effort from both sides that are involved in the relationship. As is the case with any relationship, it is essential that both the sides give equal importance to each other. But in a long distance relationship, the couple have to give a lot more than just equal contributions. They have to give as much as they can.

Long Distance Relationships Don't Work

In my opinion, and from what I have seen, long distance relationships rarely, if ever, work. The way I see it, when one moves across the country (or to another country) for a prolonged undefined period of time, a relationship rarely lasts. Let us take the example of some relatives or friends we have, who shifted to another country. In the first few months it's fine, They call, they miss you, they sometimes visit. But later, they move on. Same is the case in a relationship. The trouble is that no one is irreplaceable in this world. Because if there is some one who is not replaceable, you don't leave them! Soon both realize that it is neither working for you nor for the other person, and there is a mutual separation. It may not always be explicitly mentioned, but you know that things are not the same anymore, and it is sometimes just better to move on than listlessly wait for situations to change. Besides it is human tendency to be tempted by a better offer if it comes along. For a while you might continue your long distance relationship, but later you will feel resentful about it, hate the other person for leaving you and therefore giving you less importance. You will see the happy, thriving low-or-no distance relationships around you and slowly start changing your mind about the present , unsatisfying and sad state of your relationship. You might not agree with me now, but over a period of time, it will become too frustrating for you to not see the one you love often enough, and at least consider a change in things.

How to Make Long Distance Relationships Work?

While I seem to have elucidated the long distance relationship problems in detail, there may be some situations where long distance relationships do work. But it is flooded with a series of rules which are given below. Here's some long distance relationship advice that can save your relationship.

• Firstly, both the people have to question themselves: Do I really love this person? Do I really see a future in this relationship? Is it the future that I want? Will this person return? Am I strong enough not to be swayed by a better opportunity if it comes along? Be truthful to yourself. If the answer is 'yes' to all these questions, then your long distance relationship will work.
• Make rules. Set a time-table for a long distance relationship. Do they work? Yes. Just like physical dates, you can have online dates too! It is also important to call regularly. After all a relationship is based on a display of affection, and whatever affection can be displayed, show it.
• Make sure you visit at least every 6 months. And make those visits the most special days that you can. So special, that the memory of those days carries you for another 6 months of separation.
• Friends play a very important role in everyday life, and more so in making a long distance relationship work. It is important that your friends stick by you through the hard times and give you support when you need it the most. And most importantly drive all the temptations away!
• You could also intermittently send sweet gifts to your loved one to show just how much you miss him/her. You can give something handmade to make it more special.
• Patience is probably the most crucial thing in a long distance relationship. It is worth staying apart only if you are patient and remind yourself that the future will be better than the way things are today.

Some more tips to make long distance relationships work.

• Long Distance Relationship Tips
• Romantic Ideas for Long Distance RelationshipsSo, this was all about long distance relationships. Do they work? Well, I still maintain that it is unreasonably hard to stick with a relationship like this, but it is up to those who are in the situation. It requires a lot of work and effort. So, it is up to you to decide, if your lover is worth it?