Long-Distance Relationships: 7 Harsh Facts To Know
These days, long-distance relationships seem to be on the increase thanks to technology and globalization. People are finding love and companionship across borders and time zones. While there are many positive reviews about LDR such as testing commitment, independence, and deeper appreciation, there are also tons of challenging facts you probably didn’t know.
Beyond saying goodbyes at the airport and kisses over FaceTime, here are some harsh facts about loving someone across miles.
1. Lack of Physical Intimacy
This is one of the most challenging facts of long-distance relationships. Cuddles, kisses, spontaneous hand-holding, and hugs are left for scheduled dates and this can be a constant ache that leaves partners yearning for a warmth only shared space offers.
As such partners can be left feeling frustrated, lonely, jealous, and insecure.
2. Communication Challenges
Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship and long distance relationships deny individuals this privilege. Finding time to connect regularly can be tasking following factors such as time zone differences, misinterpretation of gestures, poor timing around busy lives, and total reliance on technology.
Lack of communication can cause a strain in distant relationships and over time one may begin to feel forced to love.
See Also: 10 Signs You Need To End The Relationship Now!!
3. Jealousy
Long-distance relationships (LDRs) can be emotionally draining and exhausting, especially for new lovers. With limited physical touch and exposure to your partner’s daily life, yiu may begin to have doubts and feel insecure.
Seeing them on social media with other friends or colleagues may get you jealous and also trigger a lot of “what ifs” and “maybes”
At this point, your relationship would require constant reassurance and open communication which as explained is a marathon in itself.
4. Missing out on important dates
Another reality of long-distance relationships is that you miss out on the little beautiful moments of the relationship that make it special. You miss out on important occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
Also, you cannot be there for each other when you need comfort, advice, or help. It may feel like you are living separate lives and not fully involved in each other’s world.
5. Growing Apart
Even though it is said that time and distance can be great healers, it is also important to know that they can be silent thieves. Leaving far from your partner and facing different experiences by yourself can slowly create a drift.
You and your partner can also grow and change as individuals which can lead to differences in interests, values, and goals.
6. Financial Challenges
Even though lovers agree that you cannot put a price on love, it’s important to know that long-distance relationships (LDRs) can be an expensive venture. Going by the statistics that 14 million people are in distance relationships, factors such as travel costs, accommodation, phone bills, and surprise gifting add up quickly and can be draining. If there is a decline one or both partners can begin to feel insecure regardless of explanations.
Some of the best ways to navigate financial hurdles is to build a relationship based on emotional closeness and make use of a budget. You can also cut down on visits after conversing with your partner.
7. Temptation
Long-distance relationships can amplify feelings of loneliness and longing. One or both partners may likely start feeling the relationship has no plans and the opportunity for infidelity may seem closer than ever.
In addition, the fear of betrayal can gnaw at your trust, challenge your insecurities, and force yiu to confront your relationship vulnerabilities head-on.
