by Shaheen Darr

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: July 02, 2010

Through experiences of family and friends who have been through long-distance relationships, it seems that long-distance love is much harder to cope with than it would in a normal relationship. In addition to the usual problems that couples face, long distance relationships are prone to additional strains brought about by the distance between the partners.

In a normal relationship you meet your partner on a daily basis or one or two meetings a week if you are both leading busy working lives. These meetings give you an opportunity to share your experiences of the time spent apart and keep you up to date with each others lives. You get a chance to express love to one another and keep the relationship alive. In fact both the physical and mental aspects of the relationship are nurtured through these regular meetings. If there is a problem, there is an opportunity to face one another, express it openly and hopefully resolve it.

These are things that are missing in long distance relationships. You might be able to call each other regularly via telephones or the internet but there will be a lack of physical contact between the partners. There is no comparison between physically holding your partner and sharing your love with them to speaking to them on the phone. Human beings thrive on contact with one another and this will be an important factor that will be missing. In addition, you make an effort to look nice when you meet someone for a date. This aspect will be missing when you do not see your partner regularly. Some couples end up comfort eating or dressing sloppily just because there is no one around to impress.

I believe that a lack of physical love can sometimes lead people to start straying in a marriage or in a relationship and couples end up cheating on one another. They might still love their long distance partner but the physical need to be with someone may be so great that if there is someone around who is friendly and available there is a chance they might take this risk. The saying 'distance makes the heart fonder' might work for a while but if this distance is long term then it might make the relationship go the opposite way. 'Distance might just make the heart distant'

It is important to be able to meet your partner on a regular basis to keep feelings alive for each other. The communication gap is narrowed, problems are resolved, feelings of loneliness are reduced and the chance of having affairs outside of the relationship is less. Moreover, you want to keep on looking good for that special person who will see you and compliment you on how great you look! On the whole, it is a healthier, happier option for both partners.

Learn more about this author, Shaheen Darr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.