On my way in to work the other morning, I crossed a morning show on the radio that questioned why one would entertain the thought of a long distance relationship. Weird enough, I always have this conversation with my friends. Long distance relationships CAN work, it’s just HARD work! Let’s look at the deets:
If you are involved in a LDR, you probably enjoy your time apart, right?!?! It makes those moments when you are traveling to see one another that much more bitter sweet! But think about it, you probably enjoy not being in your partners presence ALL the time. You can Face Time, Skype, email, text etc. when you feel the need to talk. You have more flexibility, you can get out more, you’re not smothered, nothing. Sounds great, right?!?! . What about when shit gets real, and you want to take your relationship to the next level? Now decisions need to be made. Who is going to move? Is there any kids involved? Etc.
Regardless of which person decides to move, there will definitely be some new surprises threw into the mix. You get to observe your partners habits (or lack there of). It is very important that you actually fall in love with the person when you are in a LDR, and not just the idea of having a relationship. You will have to lean on that love for patience when your man:
– Sprays urine around the toilet or pee on the seat
– Leaves his work clothes beside the clothes hamper (instead of actually in it)
– Takes his shoes off in the living room… AND leaves them there
– Eat in the bed and leave the dishes on the nightstand
– Bites his toenails
Or when your woman:
– Leaves hair in the sink after she brushes her hair
– Leave the dirty dishes in the sink
– Doesn’t fold her clothes for weeks
– Goes to the club every other night
Whatever the habit may be, you are not immediately equipped with the patience to deal with it because you are used to being alone. You will probably realize very quickly if you made a bad choice or not. If the sheer sound of your partners voice is starting to get on your nerve… then yea… you probably won’t be there much longer. A LDR converting to a live in can work if you want it to! Now, I’m not saying force yourself to like someone that you don’t. But I am saying that if the relationship does have great potential then work on it. Work on your patience. Communicate with your partner by expressing what you do/don’t like abouty his/her habits If they care about you as well, they will respect where you are coming from and do what they can to be better.