Sunday, September 15, 2013

4,602 Miles

Or 7,404.62 kilometers. This is the distance between Cebu and Dubai, the amount of space in lateral format that separates two people. After being together almost everyday for the past three years, this distance came into being. It's not because the distance was desired. The distance is simply part of the package.

There are numerous points against long distance relationships. Spending time physically together is impossible. Problematic communication and consequently misunderstanding is hard to get away with it. Temptations are never absent. Eventually, all these downsides become the strongest points in consideration, and they lead to the slow demise of the promises and pacts made to each other.

After dropping the bomb about the negative possibilities of an LDR, it is notable to mention that not all LDR actually fails. While most people are not very hopeful and confident in being physically separated from their beloved halves, it is actually possible for a long distance relationship to work. Here are some helpful and proven ways to facilitate the continuous growth of a relationship between two people despite being not together all the time.

1. Share and strive towards a common goal - There are many reasons why couples have to get into an LDR. In most cases, it is a practical move, which involves a healthier career and stronger source of income for one party or both. The couple can make this the end goal of the sacrifices and challenges that come with a long distance relationship. It can serve as the motivation to get going and the ultimate reward at the end of all the hardships.

2. Communicate frequently - Because of work, traffic, busy schedules and many other similar reasons, it is easy for the communication pattern between couples on LDR to go erratic. Many end up in absolute zero communication in just a month or two. Others slowly go through the process in months before finally letting go. There are those who make it through though. One thing about communication between partners in LDR is that it should not be all about the serious and major concerns alone. When together, couples spend seemingly useless hours talking about nonsense, bantering, joking or sometimes even without talking to each other. This is essential in relationships, not hearing each other's voices nor seeing each others faces but knowing that they are there. Hence, couples should not lessen communication even the non-verbal ones even when they are far away from each other on the physical sense.

3. Understand more - The physical distance brings about a lot of hindrances. Shortcomings are bound to occur from either or both parties. From these, conflicts may arise, and the negative consequences are limitless. It is, therefore, very useful for couples to be more understanding of each other.

As they say, long distance relationships are not for the weak. It requires a lot of hard work, persistence and the desire to be together eventually in order for an LDR to successfully make it through. Long distance relationship is for the BOLD ones only, and there is no greater force that can make anyone BOLD but LOVE.