by Rachel Gargan

Created on: January 18, 2009   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

Long distance relationships are not impossible, but they are difficult. Except for the added problem of distance, they vary little from other relationships. A long distance relationship requires trust, commitment, understanding and patience, the same as any other relationship. The difference is that all these things are strained and a lot more pressure is placed on both of you when you are together.

Problems faced by couples in long distance relationships are often more likely to result in an end to their affiliation. The strains on such a relationship are greater and the anxiety caused by being apart can cause immature of irrelevant disputes to spiral out of control. For people in long distances relationships there is a tremendous amount of pressure for dates and meetings to be enjoyable.
Arguments often become dramatic and upsetting because of the limited amount of time couples in this situation spend together. The hardest part however is the pain and frustration from not being able to see or hold your partner for long periods of time. The deciding factors of a long distance relationship boil down to two things, trust and determination. I you trust each other enough and are determined enough to see each other again then your relationship will probably be a success.

New technology such as web cams, mobile phones and instant messaging are a great advantage to any one in a long distance relationship. Although a web cam or phone is no replacement for being with your partner, they can help you to get through long periods of separation. Whilst my long-term boyfriend, Jamie, and I were at universities on different sides of the country, we would talk on the phone or via instant messaging as much as possible. This helped us a great deal. I was able to indirectly involve Jamie in my life. We often discussed each others problems and offered each other advice. It was comforting to know that he was still able to help despite being far away.

Our openness about our day to day lives and willingness to contact each other at almost any time of day really helped to strengthen our relationship. It made it easier to maintain trust between us. Our relationship survived because we made it work and is stronger now as a result. Long distance relations are feasible and have been around for centuries.
Such relationships fail when one partner is not committed and unwilling to put in the effort required to make it a success.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Gargan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.