In the past, people have dismissed the idea of long distance relationships mainly due to the physical restrictions between both parties and the lack of instant communication systems. With the invention and subsequent introduction of the internet, many people have changed their stance and warmed up to the possibility of maintaining a long distance relationship. Although it is by no means an easy feat, technological advancements have certainly lifted several obstacles and increased the chances of making these relationships work.
One of the easiest ways to look for love is through the extensive list of dating websites on the internet. Interestingly, the first ever online dating services was only launched in 1995 and it has since grown into a lucrative industry boasting of 50 million members from the United States alone. The annual revenue of the virtual dating world is estimated to be in the region of 2 billion U.S. dollars, with this figure expected to continue it’s upwards trend in the following years. One of the incentives that attract men to subscribe to these services is that their lack of techniques on how to approach women is not taken into consideration. Many participants have also cited their hectic work schedule as one of the factors that pushed them towards online dating sites.
Maintaining long distance relationships
After going through the delicate process of finding a potential love interest and establishing a new love relationship, maintaining the long distance relationship is almost identical to what traditional couples do. Other than missing out on physical interaction, every other aspect of the relationship stays the same. As always, constant communication is essential in building a strong foundation, and this can be achieved via electronic means with smartphones equipped with instant text messaging services that are connected to the internet. Webcams and video capabilities are also especially useful for these couples to interact, giving them the illusion of close proximity with each other.
A tricky situation arising from long distance relationships presents itself when the couple decides to eliminate the physical restrictions and unite together. Under these circumstances, both parties can become nervous and anxious as they are unsure of what to expect. Listed below are some of the suggestions and recommendations that can help couples in a long distance relationship settle into their new arrangement.
Continue to develop relationship skills
Scientific studies have shown that couples who started out as long-distanced partners exhibit a better range of relationship skills. One of the studies was conducted by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, where scientists set out to research on the experiences and relationship skills gained from participants of long distance relationships.
A majority of the participants expressed development in relationship skills such as patience, trust, and better communication. Other relevant skills acquired also include essential time management, individual independence, and non-physical intimacy. Although these traits are also present in conventional relationships, their importance is magnified when couples are separated by physical boundaries. Therefore, couples who choose to reunite should remember to continually develop these skills and work towards a fulfilling relationship.
Take advantage of the situation
Oppositions of long distance relationships often cite the additional effort required to maintain the relationship as one of the main factors affecting their decision. They also believe that these relationships are more fragile, and the risk of failure is significantly higher. However, relationship experts have expressed their objection to this unwarranted theory and offered scientific evidence to back their claims.
The Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy published an article in 2015 to test the relationship quality based on geographical differences. More than 1,000 participants were involved in this study, divided between long distance relationship couples and geographically close relationship couples. The results concluded at the end of the experiment indicate insignificant differences between both forms of relationships, proving that long-distance couples are equally capable of building healthy relationships.
In a separate research conducted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the experts went a step further to claim that couples in a long distance relationship tend to project a brighter future for themselves. This positive mindset is evidenced by their personal belief that their relationship will still remain intact after one year. Couples involved in conventional relationships failed to provide such an optimistic view.
Learn to compromise
Last but not least, couples who become physically close must learn how to compromise with each other. Physical interactions with their partners will undoubtedly unearth previously unknown characteristics and personalities. Couples need time to adjust to one another and learn about their habits. While good habits are mostly welcomed, couples should always be frank and discuss the things that irritate them. Through this feedback and action system, couples continually develop their relationship and increases their chances of success.
Summary
Long distance relationships have become a popular trend in modern society. With hectic work schedules prohibiting individuals from enjoying the dating scene, many have explored the possibility of committing to this unconventional union. Having established a working long distance relationship, the future prospect is to transition into a normal relationship and eliminate the physical boundaries. At this stage, couples are bound to learn new traits and characteristics of their partners. How each couple handles the new environment can determine the future of the relationship, and they would require all the help they could get to increase their chances of building a successful relationship.
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Author: Adonia Dennis
Adonia Dennis (@adoniadennis) is a Health, Beauty and Skin Care advisor. She loves to read about general health and wellness information. She utilizes her experience in writing about beauty tips and health related problems. She works as a content coordinator for many online health portals. She is very passionate to write anything related to human body and loves to dispense unbiased advice through writing. To know more about Adonia, follow her on LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.
