ldadvice's Journal

How to Get Through a Long Distance Relationship

I think most people just naturally assume that long distance relationships are difficult. The strains it puts on a relationship are obvious. However, for those couples who are truly dedicated to each other, it is possible to make it work.

The deciding factor in how to make a long distance relationship work is often the commitment and honesty that each partner puts forward. However, there are some reasons to give it a try in today’s modern world. The communication technology we have at our finger tips via the internet and smart phones is unprecedented. Just about everyone has bought into the technology boom, and now we are all available to each other instantly within a few button presses. You can even webcam with your long distance partner, which at least counts as a digitized version of face to face contact even if it is lacking the physical aspect.

My husband and I both travel for work and spend months apart from each other sometimes but we have found a way to make it work. However, it isn’t something that you can do forever. The best long distance relationship advice I ever got was from my mother, who went through the same thing when my father was overseas with the Navy. What she said was to agree to a time limit of how long you would be apart. It gives you both something to hope for. So, my Husband and I have decided we will do this for a year to save money and then we will both find new jobs locally. Every day we are apart, we both think about the future we are working for and it keeps us strong.

When we are apart, we do use a lot of technology to stay in touch. We text and call each other during the day when we have time. We have skype dates a couple times a week and we e-mail each other often. Sometimes when I am running around during the day working I forget that he won’t be there when I get home! Technology allows us to be so connected that even when we are far apart geographically, we can feel close.

If you are anxious about going into a long distance relationship, or are in one now, there is really only one thing you need to know. And that is that both you and your partner are truly committed to it. If you aren’t both on the same page, it will never work. Spare that, invest in some good webcams and be sure to communicate often. It will keep your relationship strong and healthy until you are back together again!