Long Distance, Please!

Long Distance, Please

Thanks to our transient society and the internet many couples have to learn to endure a long distance relationship.  A driving distance of two or three hours is usually bearable.  If the separation is greater than that, a couple must determine if they can tolerate the stress of minimal contact and delayed conflict resolution.

 

There are benefits and challenges to this kind of relationship.  There is less temptation to spend too much time together but you are more tempted to stay on the phone too long.  You may have fewer petty conflicts, but less time to resolve the important ones.

 

When the separation occurs after the friendship is on a firm footing the problem is easier to manage.  In the early stages it will take lots of hard work for you to get to know, and eventually trust one another.  This takes a great deal of patience.

 

Separations will surely test the strength of your commitment to each other.  To have a successful long distance relationship a couple will need three things – commitment, money, and friends.  Planning is crucial.  Plan your time and visits wisely.  Try to avoid overtaxing any of your resources 

 

Although you see each other less often the issue of celibacy may be more challenging.  Couples look forward to their visits with great anticipation.  Your times together will be quite intense, especially as it gets closer to the end of the visit.  Special safeguards should be put into practice early.  Enlist the help of your friends and your church to safely and successfully maintain your relationship.

 

NEXT:  Long Distance Fighting