Long-Distance Relationships Cannot Work Long-Term! Or Can They?

What Is The Success Rate of Long-distance Relationships?

There isn't much conclusive evidence to support the notion that long-distance relationships have the potential to last in the long run because so little scientific research has examined this topic.

One thousand American adults currently or formerly involved in long-distance relationships were polled in an unofficial internet survey by the sex toy company KIIROO. Although the brand didn't specify what "successful" meant, the answers indicated that 58% of those relationships were.

In an earlier study from 2006, 335 college students who were either in a long-distance relationship at the time or recently were polled. About half of those who took part reported that their relationship ended while they were apart. 

The remaining group said their relationship continued until they reunited with their partner. However, nearly a third did not break up within three months following the reunion. Nevertheless, you'll frequently discover that trust, respect, honesty, and open communication go quite a ways toward making your relationship last, to put it mildly.

Essential Tips To Help With Long-Distance Relationships

Many of the exact requirements for ideal relationship health apply to both close and distant partnerships. However, long-distance ones will need more deliberate thought.

According to Patrick Cheatham, PsyD, individuals involved in long-distance relationships must be far more deliberate and diligent about completing the work that fosters healthy partnerships.

Discuss the Importance of Communication

Decide on your call frequency early in a long-distance relationship, barring occasional daily texts. You could agree that you want to talk a lot, but you can disagree on what that entails. If your preferred communication levels differ, finding an understanding early on could help you prevent irritation later.

A communication schedule is an additional helpful resource. Although this schedule doesn't have to be followed, knowing when to anticipate hearing from your partner may be comforting.

Even though an occasional "thinking of you" call can be a pleasant surprise, scheduling more extended conversations can help you connect when you're both energetic. If your partner is a night owl and you're a morning person, consider scheduling calls right before or right after supper, for instance.

Stay Independent

You could feel that a part of yourself is missing if your significant other lives far away, but try to keep on with your everyday routines. Remember that you are still a unique person, not just a group component. Regular physical activity also lessens feelings of loneliness.

If you cannot see them often, you could wish to talk to your partner more frequently. If they can't constantly communicate with you, becoming dependent on your PC or smartphone might lead to unhappiness or even hatred. 

You'll also miss out on special times with other family members. Even if your partner can find time to converse nonstop all day, spending time separately or with family and friends is still good.

When possible, Adhere to Your Scheduled “Meeting” Times

If someone kept canceling on in-person dates, you wouldn't want to date them for long, would you? Sometimes being physically far apart makes relationships appear more casual. However, just as you would if dating a local person, maintaining lasting connections necessitates putting your partner first.

When something goes wrong, a partner too far away to help may worry more than a nearby partner. Of course, unforeseen circumstances might happen, but do your best to alert your partner immediately. If you can, arrange a make-up conversation session.

Change Up Your Communication Methods

If you alter the way you communicate, you could feel more connected. Snapchat lets you send and receive pictures and videos, while Facebook Messenger lets you communicate with others. You may also occasionally text and make quick phone calls at lunch or when you wake up.

This won't be useful to everyone because some find maintaining track of multiple chats challenging. Try out some traditional forms of communication as well. Most people find that receiving a letter or an unanticipated present improves their day.

Think about exchanging a scrapbook or letter notebook with experiences from your daily lives. Exchange it back and forth, each time adding to it.

Make Sure That What You Say Matters

It's normal to feel that you and your partner never have enough time to talk in a long-distance relationship. Try to focus your energy on strengthening the quality of your communication if this is the case.

Don’t Neglect the Mundane Parts

If you are far apart, it could be difficult to sense a physical connection with your mate. Your inclination may be to focus on serious or deep topics to make the most of your little contacts. 

But even insignificant details can strengthen your emotional connection and help you form a positive view of your significant other.

Don't be shy about discussing uninteresting subjects like your new neighbors, lunch, or how you walked in on your cat peeing on the restroom floor. Instead, rant or rage with your friends. After all, a partner you see often is someone you would talk to about such things.

Relationships don't permanently implode because of distance. Sure, you may need to put in a little more work and think of new ways to communicate, but you could discover that those things only serve to strengthen your relationship.