by Olha Romaniuk

Created on: October 07, 2007

Long distance relationships can be daunting. It is hard for people to retain a level of intimacy and attachment, when hundreds, or maybe even thousands of miles stand in a way. It is no wonder that not too many long distance relationships withstand the test of time. People get distracted by work, responsibilities and other people. It is hard to be reminded to stay on track and keep working to maintain a relationship. Couples can grow apart with time, and without having each other around to remind them just why exactly they started dating, relationships become much more fragile as time goes by and eventually disintegrate all together.

Here's the good news - you don't have to break up in person if you are thinking of ending a long distance relationship. If you and your significant other see each other once a month or a few times a year, there is no need to wait until a next time you see them to announce your decision. This is, of course, a different approach from a more conventional relationship where it would be considered rude and downright spiteful to break up with someone over the phone or via email.

However, for those who are in long distance relationships, the key words are distance and convenience. Waiting a month or more until the next time you see your significant other just to break up with them is an unnecessary waste of time. If you are ready to move on, you don't need to wait; the time is now.

The key element to breaking up over the phone is doing it gently and tactfully, as if you were face to face with each other. If an argument ensues, you might be tempted to hang up. Don't do that. Ending a relationship in a civilized manner is your last duty to your partner. Just remember, after you get off the phone and say your final goodbyes, you will be officially single.

Another piece of good news is that once you are broken up, chances are that you will never see that person again since he or she doesn't live in the same area. After all, one of the hardest things to endure in a relationship where two people live close to each other is accidentally running into them at a bar or a grocery store after the relationship is over.

This is not to say that a long distance break-up is any easier than a short distance one. The healing process, however, usually starts a lot faster since you do not have your ex around to remind you of the old days, whether they may have been good or bad. Distance, which may have been your enemy during a long-distance relationship, may actually become your ally and you will find it that much easier to move on.

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