Online Resources Are Needed for Couples in Medium-Distance Relationships

I wish there were online resources for people in medium-distance relationships. "Wait," you ask, "what is a medium-distance relationship?" Okay, let's get started there first.

In my opinion, a medium-distance relationship is a relationship in which two individuals are separated by drive that takes more than 45 minutes to an hour, but less than three hours. This means that spontaneous or less-planned visits are possible, but not ideal, and that it is not feasible for the two partners to see each with great frequency. A medium-distance relationship is distinct from a long-distance relationship because the travel time is not prohibitively long for regular visits. Again, all of this is my definition.

With the proliferation of internet use and online dating in the past ten years, there are numerous online resources for couples that are in long-term long-distance relationships. While this is great for couples in long-distance relationships, there are very few resources for couples that are in the somewhat awkward position of being in a medium-distance relationship.

There are so many difficult issues for a couple to navigate in a medium-distance relationship. How often is too often to see each other? How infrequently is too infrequently to see each other? Is the cost and time investment of seeing each other frequently too great? Are regular overnight visits possible? Is it more feasible to meet in an in-between location for some visits? If so, is it an area that both individuals know? Is it an area with enough activities so as to not be boring? How does a couple in a medium-distance relationship keep the passion in their relationship?

In a way, couples in medium-distance relationships are both fortunate and burdened. Medium-distance couples are fortunate in that they can see each other in person regularly and are unlikely to tire of one another's presence. They can explore the two areas in which they live, as well as the attractions between them. However, medium-distance couples are also burdened with having to decide how often to see each other and the expense and time investment of travel.

I don't want to talk much about my personal life in this article. I am in a medium-distance relationship right now, and have been for several months. In a couple months, my significant other and I will return to school for the fall semester. At points, it has been somewhat difficult to navigate various issues, and I have wished that there were online resources for couples in medium-distance relationships. I am not sure whether it is being in a medium-distance relationship that can be difficult, or whether it is adjusting to a medium-distance relationship that takes time. Whichever it is, it would be extremely useful if there were online resources for medium-distance couples.