Natalie Barletta – Opinions Editor
Picture it: you’re going to school in New Haven, well obviously. Your significant other? Well, they are at school in a different part of the state, or in a different state altogether. You’re monogamous and it’s Facebook official. However, you’re apart a good portion of the time. Sound familiar? Well, in that case I’ll tell you what I’m describing. I’m describing what the logistics of a long distance relationship.
Long distance relationships, also known as LDRs, are extremely common in college. Whether it’s a high school sweetheart, someone that you’ve met online, or a couple that met over the summer, relationships have been stretching the miles for as long as you can move from place to place. However, the real question is whether or not it can actually survive the distance.
Ever hear the saying absence can make the heart grow fonder? Well, I’ve also heard of the saying that absence can make the heart grow crazy. LDR relationships can do both of those things. Being apart from your partner for so long can be depressing especially when you see a lot of happy couples on campus, and you’ll want your partner around.
Whether or not a relationship can actually survive the distance is actually a testament to how strong the relationship is. To survive the distance, you need to trust the person. Trust is key to every single relationship, even if there’s no miles between each person in the couple. Put it this way: you have to trust them that they aren’t cheating you, and you have to believe that when they are busy, that they are busy. Otherwise, you’ll be spending most of the time that you’re with your partner arguing. Which is not exactly healthy, if you ask me.
You also need to understand that you and your significant other are essentially going to live separate lives. Whether it’s a job, schoolwork, or other commitments, you’re going to be extremely busy and not always available to talk to your significant other. This is a good thing, because it’s not exactly healthy to be waiting by the phone for their text/call. And, that is quite alright.
Call me an optimist, but I honestly think that long distance relationships have a fighting chance at working out. However, I do think that they should come with a warning label, because they surely aren’t easy.
The first thing that you should ask yourself if LDR is an option for you is whether or not you can handle it. If you get anxiety from being away from your partner for more than a couple of days then that’s probably not for you. If you love and trust the person, and can handle being apart for an extended period of time, then I say you should try to go for it.
Some say that distance is the true test of the relationship, and I couldn’t agree more. You really have to work at it more, which makes you decide whether or not it’s worth it.
Long distance relationships, no matter how far you are apart, do have a silver lining. Chances are, you’re not always going to be apart. There will be times when you are together, which is something to look forward to. You tend to cherish that time, because you know that it’s not going to last forever.
Remembering that you’re not always going to be apart is comforting when all you have between you and your partner is a phone screen. However, in the mean time? Texting, phone calls and Skype dates are going to be your best friends when you’re in a long distance relationship. And remember this-before you know it, you’ll be together again.
Photo Credit: MsSaraKelly
