Debra Kunz

At first thought the idea of a long distance relationship just makes you groan, mostly because of the sheer effort and trust required to give it a real shot at success. The question inevitably becomes, are long distance relationships worth it?

The Rewards

The Possibilities – Embracing this man who intrigues you even though he is not conveniently located around the corner means you are open to discover love in a new way. You’re letting the answer to the question of “Are long distance relationships worth it?” be “For this man, I’m willing to find out.”

Fun – For part of each visit, you can be tourists in your own city. It’s really fun to discover things you didn’t know were in your own backyard and do them together. Be sure to incorporate some regular life stuff in your visits like grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning-up so your relationship is built on real life things and not just vacation-like getaway weekends.

Communication Styles – When you are apart, the two of you need to learn to communicate, potentially in ways that might not happen if you could meet in person. You learn how adaptable the other is to build a relationship despite the challenge of distance.

Are Long Distance Relationships Worth It Given What You Risk

Spontaneity – Meeting after work, going to a movie, or last minute tickets to a ballgame or a concert just does not happen together. It’s something to accept while the relationship is building. Spontaneity will return when you get serious and choose to live in the same city at some point.

In Person Support – Those tough days when you want a hug, a cocktail, or just his presence are not possible. You have to find ways to support each other without being in person. Using Skype you can see each other even though you aren’t physically in the same room.

Each Other – It’s easy to blame the distance if things get rocky and stop working though I caution you to look beyond this obvious and easily targeted issue. Do you give the distance credit if things are going well? Not likely so don’t give it all the blame while you are trying to answer the question “Are long distance relationships worth it?”

What if…

Click for the answer to “what if” in the rest of my post on Singles Warehouse.

Date Deliberately,

Debra