Long-Distance Relationships

Challenges of a Long-Distance Relationship

Many parts of a long-distance relationship are challenging; Some of these challenges come from availability (e.g., when are both individuals available to talk on the phone?). Long-distance couples also deal with technology-based issues – video buffering, loss of cell service, and bad Wi-Fi.

Depending on the couple, some face issues of time zone differences, expensive flights, and travel fares. When you add COVID into the mix, these couples must face the additional layer of travel burdens – lockdowns, restrictions, and quarantines.

Couples in long-distance relationships have burdens in communicating, and they also face burdens while communicating. Albert Mehrabian has suggested that much of communication is through body language, and for these couples, that aspect of communication is poor – even with video chat, FaceTime, or Skype.

Couples in the KIIROO survey reported that the most challenging part of distance is the lack of physical intimacy, which can affect a couple’s closeness, connectedness, and general intimacy.

The good news is that once an LDR hits the 8-month mark, the couple has survived the most challenging part of the relationship. After this, long-distance couples report that it gets a lot easier.

Benefits of a Long-Distance Relationship

Despite the challenges, there are upsides to being in an LDR. Couples in the survey by KIIROO reported that in-person visits were more intimate due to their time apart because every occasion was much more special. Over half of the couples said the time apart made them feel closer, while almost 70% said they talked to their partner more during their time away. This is a positive for both communication and connectedness.

A study by Dargie et al. (2015) found that couples in LDRs reported higher levels of relationship quality and partner dedication. The couples in this study also reported less negative communication.

Generally, the authors suggested that people in LDRs have higher standards when picking a partner. It was also reported that people in LDRs have higher initial optimism about their relationship, even though they were equally likely to break up as their geographically close counterparts. The common factor between LDRs and geographically close relationships is the effort put in by both partners. For partners in LDRs, effort looks a bit different.

Tips to Maintaining a Long-Distance Relationship

There are many challenges and benefits to LDRs, but the key to any is putting in the effort to make it work. Long-distance relationships aren’t for every couple, but here are some tips to make it work:

• Save money for travel and meet regularly. This will help with both the connectedness and intimacy of the relationship while also making it a priority for both partners.
• Use technology to your advantage. There are many different ways to keep in contact with your partner – text, email, FaceTime, Skype, and phone calls.
  • Some LDR couples also participate in Background Skype, where they keep their partners on the video chat for an extended period while going about their normal day-to-day activities. This helps keep the couples connected despite being far apart.
• When one form gets old, switch it up, and don’t be afraid to go analog. Although letters and postcards are dated, they are sincere and a good way to show intimacy when other things aren’t working.
• Your attitude makes a difference. Going into the relationship and its challenges with a positive attitude can help the relationship grow and remain healthy.