The Secret to Long-Distance Relationships: Managing Expectations
Long distance relationships can be really tough , but definitely not impossible. The trick, according to recent research, is understanding the situation you are in together.
You might think the relationship will get harder the further you are from someone, but lead research Emma Darghi found the opposite in her research published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy . The couples further away seemed to be happier, suggesting that the actual distance from each other does not doom your relationship:
According to our research, it’s not necessarily how far apart you are or how little you see your partners. It’s more about the mismatch between your expectations for the relationship and the reality of the current situation.
Basically, it all came down to good communication and communication with your partner. Be mindful of the time difference, plan appointments that work for both of you, and respect each other’s needs. You should also expect both of you to have a life outside of the relationship. It keeps you both busy so you don’t get stuck in the fact that you are apart. This doesn’t mean you can’t find the time to talk and be around them, but it does at least give you something to talk about when you have time. Keep both of your expectations at the same level, and you will have a better chance of achieving it.
Let’s! Predictors of Positive Relationship Outcomes in Long-Term Dating | The Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy via Business Insider