Can You Make a Long-Distance Relationship Last?

Long-distance relationships (LDRs) usually do not work out. They may be fun and fulfilling at the onset but the hardships quickly set in a few months down the line. You will suffer if you choose, like I have, to begin and develop a LDR. Thus we must start by asking ourselves a fundamental question. Why? After we have truthfully answered this question, we can then move on to growing our LDR. Skip this crucial step and you will be wasting weeks, maybe months or years of your life. Answer it wisely and you will begin the tremendous workload that accompanies successful LDRs. It is possible that your LDR can become a beautiful love story, just not highly probable.

Why?
As already mentioned, you will suffer in a LDR. You will not have the daily companionship of your significant other. Usual dating customs will not pertain to you. Going out to the movies or having dinners with your mate will be rare events. You will be deprived of the touch, feel, and scent of your partner. And folks, you will not be having sex for weeks or months at a time! Both emotional and physical hardships will dwell in you. It will be a blissful experience when you finally get to meet and spend time with each other. But then the pain of the routine good-byes leave you even more bruised and battered than before. You will never get used to saying good-bye and it never gets easier.

We still have not begun to answer our question: why? Out of all the people in the world to be in a relationship with, why did you choose someone who is in another town, state, or even country? Whatever your reasons, make sure you put some thought into the decision. Good sex is enticing but not entirely valid. Pursuing a potential connection may be legitimate, at least for a little while. Leaving someone you have been with for years for study or work in another place is fishy.

On the contrary, the connection between two people may not be easily reduced to questions and answers. There are powerful feelings involved here! Ultimately, only you know your own circumstances and what you can handle. Remember, make your decision with some thoughtfulness and know that it will not be a walk in the park if you choose to pursue a LDR. Going in blindly could lead to tremendous grief, a dent in your pocket book, and a lot of time lost.

Curtis Smith, a writer for Askmen.com, believes that rejection is better than regret. What do you think? Is he or she worth the risk?