7 startling facts: Why do long-distance relationships even last?

People who are in long-distance relationships often feel like they aren’t really connected to their partner. (Detached from the relationship.) Distance is one of those things that strains your relationship—not because you want to make the other person feel distant. This can be either a blessing or a curse. But space might be conducive to some relationships, in a way.

Not spending time together is frustrating—people become unsure of their partner’s feelings toward them. Long-distance relationships often leave people anxious about their partner’s side.

They may also fear that someone else will replace them while they’re apart. For example, if you have been dating someone for two years and they suddenly decide to move abroad for work, this could be upsetting for you. It could be that there was no conversation beforehand, which leads to arguments about trust and communication between partners who live far away now.

Do Long Distance Relationships Last?

Is it feasible that you will benefit from being in a long-distance relationship? I’ve often wondered if it would be better for our hearts if we could all live with those we care about. I’m sure you know some couples that live hundreds of miles apart (like my girlfriend and her husband).

It’s been a real challenge for them. They had a long-distance relationship. After getting to know them, I’ll explain why it might be beneficial for you. It provides seven startling facts to enhance your long-distance relationship (at least for a season).

Did you try to keep your romance alive by constantly texting, emailing, I’m in, and calling? This may have extinguished the fire. You know what I am talking about…

I realized something over the weekend after we had stepped out on a date. Having spent time together so often at such close range made us used to each other. We knew each other’s habits and quirks. When you are away from each other, everything seems new again!

Some say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Not always, but most of the time, it does. So let’s move on to the topic.

7 startling facts: even long-distance relationships last

Hey, pull up a chair and take a closer look at the world of long-distance relationships.

I know what you’re thinking: “Long-distance? Is that just a recipe for heartbreak and frustration?” You’re not wrong. The idea of being in a relationship with someone who lives miles and miles away seems daunting, even downright impossible.

But actually, many couples have been successful in making long-distance love work, even though it wasn’t easy. And you know what?

They’re not just surviving—they’re thriving! So, what’s their secret—what is it that allows these relationships to not just endure but to truly flourish, even when the miles between them seem hopeless?

Here are seven startling facts—these can change the way you think about long-distance relationships or love. By the end, you’ll be singing a different song. Can we jump right in?

1. Communication is the lifeblood of long-distance relationships. 

Okay, let’s start with the obvious one: communication. Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “Duh, communication is vital in any relationship.” But in a long-distance situation, it’s absolutely crucial.

One must think of the manner in which they can maintain a sense of connection when they can’t regularly meet in person.

One of my best friends, Jenna, swears by the power of frequent check-ins with her long-distance partner.

They make it a point to talk or video chat every single day, no matter how busy their schedules may be. And you know what?

It’s that constant communication that keeps the spark alive and that allows them to feel like they’re still a part of each other’s daily lives, even from 100 to 1000 miles away.

2. Patience and understanding are non-negotiable.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—patience and understanding are critical in any relationship, right? And you’re absolutely right. But in a long-distance situation, those qualities become even more crucial.

After all, you also deal with the additional challenges of distance, time zones, and the occasional technical glitch.

My cousin, Sarah, has been in a long-distance relationship for the past three years, and she’ll be the first to say it’s not always easy. Sometimes, schedules didn’t align or a spotty internet connection made us unable to video chat.

But she and her partner have learned to be patient, to cut each other some slack, and to understand that sometimes life just gets in the way.

3. The unshakeable foundation of trust.

Do you know—trust is the bedrock upon which all healthy relationships thrive?

But in a long-distance situation, that trust becomes even more vital. After all, you can’t physically see and interact with your partner daily, which means you have to rely on that unwavering sense of faith and belief in each other.

One of my friends, Samantha, has been in a long-distance relationship for the past five years, and she’ll be the first to tell you that trust is the glue that’s held them together.

There have been rough patches and times when they didn’t trust each other, but they never gave up trusting each other—they learned to trust each other. 

What do you know where their ability to face any challenge stems from—their mutual trust?

4. Vulnerability breeds intimacy.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—vulnerability? In a long-distance relationship? Isn’t that just a way to break someone’s heart? Give me a chance to explain. When you’re not able to physically be with your partner, the only way to truly connect is to open up and share your deepest thoughts and feelings.

My friend Jenna swears by the power of vulnerability in her long-distance relationship. She and her partner make it a point to have those deep, soul-baring conversations in which they share their fears, dreams, and innermost desires.

And you know what…? It’s that level of intimacy and emotional connection that’s allowed them to weather even the toughest of storms.

5. Creativity Keeps the Spark Alive

Okay, let’s talk about something a little more fun—creativity!

When you’re in a long-distance relationship, it’s easy for the spark to fade gradually. Excitement and anticipation lead to a feeling of routine and monotony. But this is where creativity begins.

My cousin, Sarah, and her partner are absolute masters of creativity, and as mentioned before, they are long distance.

They’re always coming up with new and exciting ways to connect—planning a virtual date night, sending each other care packages, or even just writing love letters the old-fashioned way.

It’s that sense of adventure and playfulness that’s kept their love alive and thriving, even from miles apart—did you know that?

6. Intentionality is crucial (the name of the game).

Now, I know what you’re thinking about—intentionality? Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying “effort”? Well, let me tell you, in a long-distance relationship, intentionality is everything.

It’s about making a conscious choice, day in and day out, to prioritize your partner and your relationship.

One of my best friends, Samantha, is the queen of intentionality in her long-distance relationship.

She and her partner have a standing monthly date night, where they take the time to dress up, cook a fancy meal, and really connect—even if it’s just via video chat.

That sense of intention, that promise to put their relationship first, is what’s helped them do so well. Did you understand?

7. Resilience is a superpower!

In the seventh, let’s talk about resilience. Now, I understand what you’re thinking—resilience in a long-distance relationship, too? Isn’t that just a given? Let me tell you, it’s so much more than that.

Resilience is the superpower that allows these couples to not just survive but to truly thrive, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

In her long-distance relationship, my friend Jenna is the strongest person I know—she and her partner have weathered countless storms—from job changes, health scares to the occasional bout of homesickness.

But through it all, they’ve remained steadfast—they leaned on each other for support and found the strength to keep pushing forward.

The fact they have never given up makes their love grow stronger and deeper every day. What do you think—it’s that unwavering resilience?

There you have it: 7 startling facts. Why do long-distance relationships even last? It may seem like there’s a lot to take in, but it’s better to focus on one thing at a time.

Start with communication, work on building that trust and vulnerability, and let the rest of the pieces fall into place.

Don’t forget that you’re not on this trip by yourself.

There are countless couples who have discovered how to make their long-distance relationships work—they’re all waiting to share their stories—and lend a helping hand.

So, don’t be afraid to reach out to people who know exactly what you’re suffering through.

Alright, enough of my rambling—it’s your turn now.

Are you feeling inspired to give long-distance a try, or are you still a little skeptical?

7 things a long-distance relationship teaches you

A long-distance relationship can be good for you, at least for a season. It’s hard to maintain a long-distance relationship, but you learn a few things from it too.

1. Teaches you to trust your partner

Trust and believe in your partner. The only way to have a healthy relationship is to rely on each other with every fiber of your being. If you don’t trust your partner, there is no point in having an intimate relationship. This is what long distance teaches us.

2. To be honest, expect nothing.

Be honest with yourself and others about what you need from this person and then ask for it! This is in your hand to determine if this relationship fulfills your needs or not. Expecting your partner to read your mind or know what you need without telling them (and vice versa) is unrealistic.

3. Communication point of view.

Keep communication lines open—this is the key! Being in a long-distance relationship, you determine whether this person is worth sticking around if they communicate well with you and keep everything open and honest.

4. Overcomes the fear of commitment

Being in a long-distance relationship helps you overcome your fear of commitment. It may sound strange, but it is. A long-distance relationship teaches you to nurture it and make it work without being physically present with your partner. (The key is communication and trust.)

5. It makes you able to handle the situation.

Long-distance relationships teach you how to deal with the challenges of being apart from each other. You face some challenging situations, but you learn to handle them maturely instead of running away from them or leaving your partner for good.

6. Long distance relationships can be enjoyable, at least for a season.

The first thing you will have to do is remind yourself that it is not for the long term. It is just a season, and you need to enjoy it. It often associates people in long-distance relationships with a lot of pain and heartbreak. But if you are in one, there are a few things that you can do to make it easier for both of you:

1. Realize that this is just a season in your life.
2. Meet up as often as possible.
3. Keep in touch regularly.
4. Do not take things personally.
5. Keep an open mind.

Researchers at Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life discovered that long-distance couples are more devoted to one another than cohabiting relationships.

The researchers interviewed over 100 couples in long-distance love and found that although there is a higher infidelity rate, most of these relationships were very healthy and happy. The study also showed that couples who met online had lower rates of cheating than couples who met offline.

7. So why do long distance relationships even last?

1. Before making a commitment, distance allows for communication.
2. You have time to get to know each other better before being distracted by other relationships or activities.
3. You have time to figure out whether you want to commit to someone.
4. Long-distance helps couples get to know themselves better.
5. It gives them time apart to rediscover what they like about their partner.
6. There is no pressure on either party because neither one can see the other person every day (which can lead to problems).
7. It forces people to grow up quickly.

When you look at the statistics, it’ll be clear that long-distance relationships are not uncommon. More than half of American couples have been in long-distance relationships, and most of them are happy. But why? Why does long-distance work for some couples while others struggle with it?

It’s not just about the distance—relationships can survive being distant. 

Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that healthy relationships can endure distance. Some of their findings include the following:

Fortunately, relationships can survive being distant. People in long-distance relationships adapt to their situations more quickly than those close to each other.

Healthy relationships can last even when they are far apart because the people in them have a high level of commitment and intimacy. A person with low levels of commitment or intimacy is more likely to cheat than someone who has high levels.

In research published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, researchers examined how relationship quality changed over time for couples who lived together and those who were apart. They found that positive relationships can survive being distant, but only if the team attempts to keep things alive and strong.

The researchers asked 850 couples about their relationships and how much they valued their partners. They also asked questions about how frequently couples saw each other and how long they had been together. The researchers also looked at how often people think about their partners when they’re not around.

The results showed that people in these relationships have strategies for coping with the distance. It doesn’t matter how often they see each other or how long they’ve been together.

According to their findings, some people cope with long distances by relying on the support of friends and family members, who help them get through their time apart.

In contrast, some couples enhance their relationship by discussing how they feel when separating in order to better understand their feelings and needs before reuniting. They relied on video calling or texting to stay connected during their time apart.

Yet, if one person puts less effort into the relationship than the other, it’s likely to fail over time, even if it looks okay.

Conclusion

Some people prefer being in long-distance relationships because they enjoy it. They dig deeper into their faith and are more intentional about their personal growth. 

Our journey helps us grow closer to each other; however, if not, you’ve still spent a bit of time together while at home. So yes, best-case scenario: the next few months will solidify this bond you hold so dearly. 

But even if not, you’re proud of the closeness and intimacy you have in your relationship—even if it sometimes means having to share that with a few thousand miles between you. 

Being in a long-distance relationship is an excellent way to test your love. After the long-distance phase, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on your relationship and decide whether it’s right for you.

Many people believe that long-distance relationships are unworkable because of the challenges of maintaining a relationship when separated by thousands of miles. But I don’t think that’s true.

If you and your partner are clear about what you’re looking for, there’s no need to worry about whether you should be together. This is especially true when you’re ready to be together. In contrast, whether it makes you compatible with each other should be a topic of concern.

Being in a relationship—long distance or not—can present obstacles and maintain interest. I would advise anyone to contemplate a long-distance relationship to devote some time to introspection and prayer.

To make a long-distance relationship work, both people must be ready to deal with the difficulties and rewards that may come up. If you’re wholeheartedly convinced that this is the most judicious course of action for your life, then waste no time in acquiring a thorough understanding of the situation.

Show your partner that you’re determined to continue the relationship—keep the conversation going—and express your gratitude to them for their trust in you and the partnership.