Does a long-distance relationship work?

A picture of man who missed his spouse

Are you in one presently?

There are two different forms of long-distance relationships. The first is the kind that's originally a distant relationship. It's the type in which two people meet on a social media platform or a distant place without having any physical connection in the past, yet they turn a blind eye to the absence of physical presence and begin in a relationship. The second is the kind of relationship that grows from closeness to distance as a result of a partner's interest.

It takes different approaches for these two kinds of relationships to work. The former already knows the stark limitations, while the latter has yet to know. Although the participants in these two kinds of relationships need to learn some techniques to keep their relationships moving, only one wades through it freely. The lovers who are just welcoming a new culture wades through the long-distance relationship culture reluctantly because it's strange to them: a culture of being deprived of physical presence and touch. At first, conflicts surface, especially when a strong sense of understanding is missing. It takes a long psychological readjustment to adapt to the new changes: a readjustment that deadens or deads the mindset and approaches used by the lovers when they were still close. When these approaches and mindsets are dead, it's then the lovers can learn the techniques needed for a long-distance relationship, because one needs to discard old ideas to acquire new ones.

Now, that the participants are on the same stratum, we will proceed to the dos and don'ts. These dos and don'ts also serve technical purposes. One of the most circulated myths is that a long-distance relationship doesn't work. The myth is often circulated by those who have failed twice or thrice in it. A close relationship isn't versatile like long-distance relationship. To affirm the aforesaid, study the below analysis:

Long-distance relationship: Expressing love and also putting it to test.

Close relationship: Expressing love (may put to test too, but it seldom)

To make a long-distance relationship work, the following tips need to be followed:

Words of affirmation, one of the languages, should be expressed effectively.

Avoid vague expressions & replies.

Integrity should be predominant. Lack of it can lead to insecurity.

Make your partner a confidant. Avoid replies like "you can't understand" when your partner asks you to tell him/her what bothers you. Such a reply shows you don't trust your partner, and trust is the strongest pillar of a long-distance relationship.

Your conversations should never be overly raunchy. It's a long-distance relationship and sexual urge can bring down a mountain.

You should meet at least thrice a year. The essence of the meeting is to strengthen your relationship objectives and not satisfy your sexual urges. Sexual satisfaction should be secondary if it's to happen.

During the meeting, ensure you gather mementoes.

Enjoy your relationship. Apply all, and it'll surely be a smooth ride.

 What do you think??

Read: Can you unlove someone you loved after a break up?

About the Author

Ifenaike Ifedapo Ayomipo is a Nigerian writer whose works have been published or are forthcoming on The Quills, The Transit Lit Magazine, Naija Mad Hotstars, Kalahari Review, IceFloe Press, CovidHQ Africa, Shallow Tales Review, Institutionalized Review, Whetstone Magazine and elsewhere. Also, he's a promising Educationist and public speaker.