At some point, you’re going to face obstacles that will either make or break your relationship. One of the most trying obstacles is going long distance that presents a host of challenges.
Not seeing each other on a regular basis is hard enough, but then add in the jealousy, trust issues, not being physically intimate with one another, and it’s no wonder why long distance can be so mentally and emotionally taxing – and why it breaks so many couples. However, not all long distance relationships end. In fact, many couples find make it through the distance and go on to have successful, life-long relationships.
Whether you and your high school sweetheart are going to different colleges, your long-time boyfriend accepted a job in another state, or you fell in love with someone while you were traveling abroad, if you’re about to embark on a long distance relationship, you may be wondering if you’ve got what it takes to make it last. If you can answer “yes” to any of the following, you are totally ready to take on the challenge of long distance, and if you make it through, you can survive anything life throws your way.
You Communicate Effectively
Communication is one of the most important elements in any relationship, even if you’re living in the same town; however, it’s even more important if you are living miles apart. If you and your other half have the whole communication thing down, then you can be assured that long distance won’t be as challenging for you as it would be for couples who have difficulty communicating with each other.
In order to make long distance work, you both have to be effective communicators. If you can’t express how you feel, then your relationship could be in for trouble when you are apart.
You Trust Each Other Completely
The only thing more important in a relationship than communication is trust. In fact, trust is the very foundation of a successful relationship. If you can’t trust your partner, then you’re both going to have major issues when you are separated. Lack of trust can lead to feelings of jealousy, which can be devastating to a relationship.
If you and your partner trust each other 100 percent, then there’s a very good chance you will be able to handle the challenges that come with being long distance.
You’re Open-Minded
A lot of things change when you’re in a long distance relationship, the most obvious of change being that you aren’t going to see each other as often; but that’s not the only way things will change. While you’re apart, you’ll both experience new things that could change who you are; not your morals, but perhaps some of your ideals or the way you go about doing certain things. If you’re not open-minded, it’s going to be hard to accept these changes. However, if you have both have an open mind, you can tick another check box off the list of things that establish you’re ready to handle long distance.
You’re Both Independent
While you may depend on each other for moral support, love, and passion, you’re still independent people; if that’s the case, then chances are pretty good that you are going to be able to handle the whole long distance thing. If, however, you rely on your partner for everything, then the being separated for a period of time may not be a good idea for your relationship. Independent people tend to be more secure in themselves, and the more secure you are personally, the more secure your relationship will be – no matter how many miles are between you.
