by Sharda Patasar

Created on: August 29, 2008   Last Updated: November 30, 2011

The fact that a long distance relationship is open presupposes that both partners have agreed on a long distance relationship free from commitment and where there is the freedom to date other people. But often, while dating is a given, the growth of deeper feelings toward a date' complicates the issue regardless of the status "open long distance relationship.

Relationships in general need to be based on trust and honesty. While the relationship is open one should be sensitive to the existence of real human emotions. So, when communicating, it is best that names that may suggest the existence of a someone' else are not dropped casually. It creates resentment and has the potential to damage the friendship that exists between the two parties involved. If deeper feelings begin to develop for a previous date' it is best that the distant party be informed of it early so as not to magnify the feeling of betrayal and anger that may erupt if the existence of another possible romantic interest is revealed by someone other than the person involved in the said long distance relationship.

One of the main pre-requisites in dealing with open long-distance relationships is that each party involved understands that there is no real commitment in such relationships. Having a network of friends is an important part of coping with these relationships because it provides an emotional safety net. One of the major causes of ill health is emotional instability. The ability to socialise, talk with others, have a fun evening out without your entire happiness being hinged on one individual, is imperative for a large degree of emotional stability.

The recognition of the nature of the relationship is another important factor to consider. Often distance gives a magical feel to love and when one heart feels that "oh! This is just a testing ground of our love" and "we are meant to be together" cliches become part of the vocabulary and cinematic images of the eventual meeting of the distant lovers are thrown on-screen in daydreams, the fall is harsher. The reality and not the idea of love should be the main focus. This is not fairyland sad to say. It's where human beings exist.

A friend currently dealing with an open long distance relationship says to me "I don't want knowledge in my heart", in plain terms speaking about sex. Sex often makes romantic relationships more complicated for it binds at a deeper level and thus creates a greater degree of intimacy. As some say sex means an exchange

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