The Benefits and Struggles of Being in a Long Distance Relationship

Being in a long distance relationship is really something that is very challenging, and that’s no secret. It has its own unique struggles that are not common in an average relationship. However, a long distance relationship does not mean that it cannot be as happy and as fulfilling as the relationships of the couples who are together.

In this article, you will be able to see both the beauty and the challenges of being in a long distance relationship. Let’s start with the benefits:

1. You can marvel at the fact that if your relationship can survive the distance, it can also survive anything.

This is a very positive thing to dwell upon. One of the greatest challenges that a relationship can probably go through is distance, so if a couple can survive it successfully, there’s no doubt that they can go through other challenges together.

2. You don’t have to be presentable at all times.

Let’s admit it: when you are not always together, you don’t have to constantly feel the pressure to look good because your partner is halfway across the world.

3. You are enhancing your ability to effectively communicate when you are in a long distance relationship.

Communication in an average relationship and long distance relationship is way different and far from each other. If you are long-distance couples, you really have to make a conscious effort to try harder because you don’t get to show love and affection through nonverbal communication which average couples get to enjoy. Intimacy cannot be easily expressed when you are not together, so you can only make use of whatever means of communication you have to constantly make each other feel loved and cared.

4. You both learn to be independent.

If you are in a relationship, it is only natural to be an extension of your significant other but there are people who lose themselves, who lose their identity in the relationship. The beauty of being apart is that you will be able to preserve the essence of who you are as a person even if you are committed. You will be able to keep everything about you like your friends, job, and social life.

While these may be some of the advantages of being apart, the following are the challenges that couples in long distance relationships have to go through:

1. Dependence on technology

Couples who are in a long distance relationship come to appreciate and hate technology at the same time. Technology has the power to keep two people together, but it can also bring them apart. It all depends on the way that people are utilizing this tool. It is not enough to use social media platforms to update each other of what has been going on in their lives. It is also important to spend quality time for a real conversation.

2. Possibility of growing apart

Distance can potentially cause two people to lead separate and independent lives. While this can be okay, too much of this can make one another feel that they can actually exist without the other. In order to keep the spark and the fire burning, the couple must never fail to exert an effort to still get engaged and involved in each other’s lives, and never stop making one another feel their love and affection despite the distance.

3. Absence of tangible support

Technology is really a very helpful tool for couples to feel closer despite the distance; however, it is not enough. There are times when we really need to feel that someone is there to provide and make us feel their support in good times and bad times. Sometimes, even a phone call is not enough.

4. Loneliness

One of the most difficult parts of being in a long distance relationship is the feeling of loneliness because you cannot easily fly to wherever your loved one is just whenever you want. You will have to deal with the absence of your significant other, and it’s not always easy especially during the first few months. It feels like you will have to wait for forever because you can see them in person and that’s an overwhelming feeling you will have to bear.