Do Long Distance Relationships Work? 9 Problems Present in Them

PsychologyFor Editorial Team Reviewed by PsychologyFor Editorial Team Editorial Review Reviewed by PsychologyFor Team Editorial Review

Long distance relationships are increasingly common in our society. There are a series of problems that we must face to maintain love at a distance. Find out how to overcome them.

How to maintain relationships at a distance?

Keep the distance love Nowadays it is not an impossible mission. Thanks to the Internet and the multiplicity of digital media, it is easier for us to be in constant contact, get to know each other and start a relationship even if we are from a distant country. Factors that become indispensable and make us stay connected all the time so that the enthusiasm and love for that person lasts, especially in the initial phase where we tend to be more “hooked”. For this reason, today a long-distance relationship can work.

Do long distance relationships work?

A few years ago (before the internet era) a distance couple It was an anomaly that few people ever experienced. Normally, long-distance love used to happen when it was a marriage or much more advanced relationship.

But nowadays, it is completely normal to find distance relationships with different experiences from each other. So much so that anyone considering starting a long-distance relationship should not fear the kilometers that separate them. In fact, thanks to new technologies we can affirm that long-distance relationships really work. Everything will depend on the effort between the two people to commit within the relationship.

Despite this, a long distance relationship faces more challenges than the closest ties. But there are a series of tips and things to do as a couple remotely that will help you overcome the time you are apart.

Distance relationship problems

Communication stops being a obstacle in long distance relationships, since we can spend a lot of time talking to our partner, through chats or video calls. A bond that is reinforced by couples who are close since much stronger bonds are usually created by having more active communication.

However, as the relationship progresses, many couples become frustrated, creating situations of stress and anxiety at specific moments that often lead to moments of sadness and separation. The lack of physical contact, moments of intimacy and affection are usually some of the main factors of breakups. Over time, problems are created that may be more or less intense and that can generate uncomfortable situations or major obstacles in a relationship, such as:

1. Uncertainty

When starting a distance relationship As in any other type of relationship, people usually have great enthusiasm for the other person. The excitement of the first phase and the fact of being far away makes us dream of what it will be like when we manage to be close to the other person, forming a film or an ideal with the other person that expands over time. But as that does not happen, negative thoughts begin to invade us and not knowing what will happen generates stress and anxiety. In this way, to know how to cope with a long-distance relationship, it is very important to try to work with precisely this uncertainty in the face of the other’s little presence.

2. Lack of time together

One of the big problems in a long distance relationship or love in the distance It is the lack of physical contact and intimacy that every couple needs. Added to the fact that when you manage to meet that person, on many occasions the last days of being together the idea of ​​thinking that you will not see each other again for a period of time causes a sadness that takes over this time.

It is common that in long distance relationships, problems They begin to arise due to the lack of time spent with the other person. In this way, many will not know how to show love from a distance or perhaps will not know how to manage themselves emotionally when they are without their loves from a distance. But the key to all this is to use technology to remedy the time you spend without being together. All this, also respecting your personal space.

Problems of a long distance relationship

3. Boredom

Monotony, the few moments together, communication through digital channels and even different circles of friends can lead to boredom that can make life insignificant. Relationship The moment when we feel relief when the other person doesn’t come on the day we are used to, thinking that we will have time for ourselves and to do other things that when our partner is there we end up stopping doing because it is the only time we can do. We have to be able to see it, it will be the wake-up call we need to know when a relationship is not working.

4. FOMO

FOMO is a psychological experience that occurs when we have anxiety thinking that we are missing out on something interesting in our life. In it distance love One of the pieces of advice that we should keep in mind is precisely to stay away from trying to compare ourselves with other relationships that are not in this situation.

5. Insecurity

Many people when they are in this type of relationship spend the day wondering how to know if a long-distance relationship is working due to all their insecurities. In long-distance love it is completely normal that people tend to think about more insecurities than there usually are in other relationships. But it is vital to work on these sensations before they damage the bond between the two of you.

6. Jealousy

When insecurities are not controlled in a distance couple They can even suggest jealousy that is completely unjustified. If suddenly not responding to messages or seeing other people on social networks is a problem for you, it is essential to try to work within ourselves. Jealousy will not make you able to maintain a long-distance relationship.

What are the problems at a distance?

7. Stress

Having to take time out of a busy life to travel to where your life is. distance couple, can lead to a high degree of stress. Furthermore, it is not only about making time for the trip but also trying to combine it with friends, family and work or studies.

8. Loneliness

In it Love in the distance Sometimes people can feel lonely because they cannot spend as much time with the person they really love. In this way, to maintain long-distance relationships you must keep in mind that loneliness or time alone with yourself should not be a problem for you.

9. Negativity and fear

The fear in case long distance relationship cools down or not knowing how to maintain a long-distance relationship can undoubtedly be one of the most present problems in long-distance love. The negativity faced with the situation of being without the other for so long, together with the fear of losing the person, can lead to many problems in maintaining long-distance relationships.

These are some of the main problems that arise when faced with a long distance relationship Despite this, there are many cases in which long-distance relationships have ended up being true love stories. Therefore, you should not lose faith to work on maintaining a long-distance relationship.

How to maintain a long-distance relationship?

Although there are no universal rules for surviving a distance relationship, thanks to the easy access we have to digital tools such as Facebook or WhatsApp, there are many people who want to continue betting on it. You can reinforce some aspects discussed above to resolve the lack of proximity:

1. Maintain communication

Communicating with our partner means showing our personality, our tastes, character and affection towards the other person. It will allow you to get to know him, his circle of friends, family, understand his fears, his way of behaving and treating you. Don’t hesitate to tell your partner from a distance about the insecurities or fears that come to mind. Be open with your distance relationship It will make your bond much stronger.

2.Find moments to see each other

Each relationship is different, but being able to see each other every certain period of time is positive to maintain the interest, enthusiasm and motivation of that person. He tries not to fall into a routine, so that it doesn’t seem like an obligation to see him, but rather something that you both want.

How to maintain a long distance relationship?

3. Trust your partner

Trust is the key to a relationship, and despite the miles of distance it must be present. Just because he is far away does not mean that he ignores you, that he lies to you or even that he is unfaithful to you. One of the love advice The most effective for any type of relationship is precisely to work on trust towards each other since this will determine the quality of your relationship.

4. Stay interested

Give him freedom and get yours too. But, don’t let the routine, sadness or feeling of loneliness from being away affect you. A distance relationship It can have many advantages, as well as creativity to innovate in your relationship. Write a long-distance love text, improvise long-distance relationship phrases or plan the best things to do with your partner from a distance. Innovation and, above all, effort on the part of both of you will be vital to keep the flame of love alive.

5. Don’t isolate yourself

Keep a distance relationship It is just as important as taking care of all the other aspects of your life. Therefore, do not leave behind your own goals or your other relationships. Although you want to leave everything to be with your partner from a distance, you cannot leave aside your entire life for this person. Organization to be able to get everything done will be vital in these situations.

The distance relationships They are quite a challenge for the two people who intend to start this type of bond. Although you will go through many difficulties, the reality is that when there is a strong long-distance relationship, on many occasions this ends up becoming a great love story.

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  • This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. In case of a mental health crisis or emergency, call your local emergency services or contact a licensed professional immediately.