We all know that long-distance relationships are not easy. It takes a lot of patience and effort to make them work. Such relationships are the real test as you get your priorities straight and understand where your relationship stands. But have you ever thought about the benefits of long-distance relationships? Does distance make love stronger?
It might seem really hard to keep the faith alive and stick to the commitment, but the perks of being in a long-distance relationship are several. In a long-distance relationship, you grow as individuals and develop more trust and better understanding, which is why such relationships are worth it. Absence really does makes the heart grow fonder and the distance between lovers can make the longing for each other more sincere and the love stronger.
How Do Long-Distance Relationships Work?
Table of Contents
Long-distance relationships may have many obstacles, but there is nothing love can’t overcome. Technology and relationships are closely linked in today’s times. It is one of the main reasons that long-distance relationships work. It becomes much easier for couples to survive this phase, especially through video chats where you can see your partner go through their routine of chores, share a meal with you, or tease you and be romantic with you. A lot of patience, proper planning, sticking to schedules, and lots of surprises are what you need to keep it going.
Why are long-distance relationships worth it? What do studies on benefits of long-distance relationships claim? Well, a study in the Journal of Communication says that long-distance relationships bring couples closer as they share a more meaningful and intimate relationship. So, does distance make love stronger? Definitely yes!
Another research by Dr. Guldner at The Center for the Study of Long-Distance Relationships, a division of JF Milne Publications, says that 70% of long-distance relationships are doomed if not planned for. Moreover, 40% of long-distance relationships end with breakups. Thus, it is essential to put in a huge amount of time and effort in planning so that it doesn’t end on a bad note.
We’re not saying that living apart is the preferred option. But the advantages of long-distance relationships are many. Because if you’ve got no choice, then why not look at the brighter side of things? Besides, you never know. Such a relationship might just be good for you. So, why not focus on the benefits of long-distance relationships?
Related Reading: 35 Long-distance Relationship Activities To Bond Over
15 Benefits Of Starting A Long-Distance Relationship
Do you believe in the adage that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’? Well, many people do. Many people believe that being away from each other for a while strengthens the bond between partners. Distance helps wash out misunderstandings and one tends to view the relationship from a different perspective altogether.
Unlike normal couples who tend to take each other for granted, couples in long-distance relationships value even the tiny, little things about their partners. There are several pros of long-distance relationships. We bring you 15 unique benefits of relationships across cities, countries, continents, and time zones.
1. Intimate conversations are routine
When you are in a long-distance relationship, you spend most of your time with each other on phone calls or video chats. All the craving and longing turns into intimate and meaningful conversations that you might not have had if you were both sitting across each other in person. The conversations may be short, but the depth and gravity of emotions shared in them is vast.
You find creative ways to make the most of your time with each other and build emotional intimacy despite the distance. Netflix Party, zoom dates, and Amazon Watch Party where you can watch what you like together while enjoying some popcorn become the new definition of movie dates. Video calling each other while cooking or sitting down to eat is what a dinner date looks like in a long-distance relationship.
2. Greater commitment to the relationship
This is one of the major reasons to be in a long-distance relationship. There needs to be a great level of commitment to the relationship. You have to be honest and committed to not just your partner, but also to yourself. Adjusting your everyday schedule according to the convenience of both partners requires a lot of effort and commitment.
You may have to sacrifice your sleep and cancel plans with your friends just to make time to communicate with your partner. But this makes you even more committed to the relationship and makes you realize how even a half-an-hour conversation is worth the sacrifice you’ve made. It also makes your partner realize that you value them and want to be with them.
3. Emotional intimacy at its best
One of the different benefits of long-distance relationships is that sometimes, you may express much better over text than in face-to-face chats. All the love messages and all the emojis that you keep sending in a long-distance relationship adds to the emotional intimacy that you already share with your significant other.
With time, many emotions unravel because of both partners being far apart from each other. You both go on an emotional rollercoaster ride and are no longer afraid to share it with each other. Your relationship reaches a higher level of intimacy because you begin to share a bond that goes beyond love. This is one of the biggest benefits of long-distance relationships. You are far yet close.
Related Reading: 5 Mistakes Couples Make In A Long Distance Relationship
4. Gives you time for self-reflection
One of the perks of being in a long-distance relationship is that you have time for yourself. Staying away from your partner gives you so much more time for introspection and self-reflection. You can go over the things you might not have had the time for, if your partner was here.
You can think of more ways to work on your relationship. You will probably end up appreciating your partner more, something that you hardly did when you were in one city. You realize all the positive things about your partner that are making your relationship work and you are also willing to put in as much effort as they are, to make your long-distance relationship a great experience for both of you.
5. This feeling called love
Believe it or not, one of the reasons to be in a long-distance relationship is that it tends to enhance your love for your partner, since you don’t share a physical intimacy now. The feeling of lust diminishes and your emotional needs grow, which makes you love each other even more. You pursue the relationship because you are in love, and that makes it all worthwhile.
Studies on benefits of long-distance relationships have also claimed that it strengthens your love. So, like we mentioned earlier, it makes you realize how much you value the little things about your partner, and makes you crave each other too. You realize how much you want to be with each other. So, you make an effort to find creative ways to show love.
6. Boosts your patience
Patience is both a key and a test in a long-distance relationship. Your patience levels will grow by leaps and bounds and all the waiting will be worth it. One of the different benefits of long-distance relationships is that it helps you grow as an individual, so you can solve your issues in a calm, composed, and patient manner.
You realize that jumping to conclusions is detrimental to the relationship, so you try to work on your patience to make your long-distance relationship work. This helps you understand your partner better. You minimize the fights and do not say hurtful words to each other. Developing patience helps you in your other relationships and in the workplace too. That’s a great way of reaping the benefits of long-distance relationships.
7. It gives you a reality check
In other relationships, sometimes, you ignore issues that seem to be minor but could eventually have a serious impact on the equation you share with your partner. But one of the perks of being in a long-distance relationship is that it gives you a reality check on such problems.
You are able to understand where your relationship actually stands and how far you are willing to go to make it work. When a long-distance relationship takes off, chances are you get to know about the fissures that existed in your bond, but the biggest advantage is that you get to know about how strong and healthy your relationship is.
8. The little things matter
One of the most beautiful reasons to be in a long-distance relationship is that you learn to appreciate the little things your partner does for you. Even an ‘I love you’ text in the middle of a meeting feels like the most beautiful gesture to make your day. You celebrate the small, inconsequential moments with each other through phone calls or texts, because you want to stay connected all the time. When you meet in person, you value the togetherness all the more.
9. You never get bored
In other relationships, sometimes, people get bored of each other or want some time off as some degree of monotony sets in. However, in a long-distance relationship, you never run out of things to do or ways to make each other feel special. You crave time together. That’s one of the major benefits of long-distance relationships.
The more time you spend, the more things you can do together. Moreover, you get a lot more time to think about the different things you can experiment with or do for your partner. Since you do not sleep together every night due to the distance, you look forward to the sex when you meet in person. This way, a long-distance relationship takes away the monotony from sex as well.
Related Reading: 10 Noticeable Signs You Need To Let Go Of A Long-Distance Relationship
10. You start planning like a pro
Planning small surprises – and making use of all the available resources for it to be perfect – makes you a pro. You have to plan birthdays, anniversaries, surprise visits, and other special occasions, which might just make you realize how good at it you’ve become. You put in extra effort to make it special for your partner so that they don’t feel your absence on their important day.
You plan to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries when you are together. Choosing a gift is top priority. You make sure to arrange everything and send it in advance so that it reaches your partner on time. You plan your Christmas holidays well in advance. You become more organized. You do all it takes to make the long-distance relationship work.
11. You get to travel
Why are long-distance relationships worth it? Because you get to travel a lot. One of the greatest benefits of a long-distance relationship is that you get to travel with your significant other. You have your own mini vacation with your partner. You get to explore a different city, go to their new favorite spots, and spend quality time with each other.
You cherish it all the more because you know you have time constraints. You have limited days to spend together, which is why you want to make the most of it. In fact, if you live in two different cities or countries and you visit each other, there’s a lot you can explore together. It’s something to look forward to.
12. You get your cherished ‘me time’
You get to spend more time with yourself. There is a sense of freedom and independence. You also realize that your relationship with yourself is the most important. You can entertain yourself by pursuing your hobbies or even trying new ones. You build a small world of your own where you have the time to do the things you have always wanted to, which makes you feel more at peace with yourself.
One of the different benefits of long-distance relationships is that you can use the time away from your partner to do some fun and fruitful things. Start the thriller you always wanted to write, pamper yourself, go on a solo trip, enroll for a course in photography or any other skill that you want to learn, watch the TV show that you love – the one your partner hates, or just be more diligent with your garden.
13. You get to know yourself better
You experience new situations, emotions, and feelings. It is a new phase that is both exciting and overwhelming. The relationship seems like an adventure and you, for sure, have a great story to tell. Use this time to know yourself better. Living alone changes you as a person.
You grow as an individual. You learn what you are capable of. If you both are married, then you learn to handle the bills, the kids, the house, and the pets on your own. You give the right advice to your partner when they need it. You get to know that you enjoy watching Netflix alone with a glass of wine and absolutely love the nights out with your squad.
14. You make your time together worth it
Does distance make love stronger? Well, I guess it does, because long-distance relationships make you value your time together. They bring out the creative person in you. You want to make the most of your time with each other, and think of different ideas and ways to make it more fun and memorable.
People in long-distance relationships often invest a lot of time and money in doing things that other couples probably don’t. People staying together might take each other’s presence under the same roof for granted, but one of the biggest benefits of long-distance relationships is that you try to make every moment together memorable. You plan dates, staycations, family meets, and activities together.
Related Reading: 12 Signs You Have Found Your Soulmate
15. You devote more time to your career
Sometimes, people choose to get into a long-distance relationship for career growth. Therefore, along with prioritizing your relationship, you give 100% to your job and career as well, especially if that’s the reason you are apart in the first place. You become more focused, spend more time at work, and try to grow in your career in every possible way.
You have the biggest cheerleader in your significant other, who is as happy as you are to see you succeed. This has a great, positive effect on the relationship in the long run because if you grow in your career, you invest better and can fulfill all the dreams that you and your partner saw together.
A long-distance relationship has its own perks. Being geographically apart doesn’t have anything to do with the unconditional love you have for your partner and the emotions you share with them. It can be stressful at times, but if you think that it is meant to be, then distance will never be an obstacle. Be positive about it from the start. If you are willing to do what it takes to make it work, there will never be a problem. Remember, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
For more expert videos please subscribe to our Youtube Channel. Click here.
FAQs
There is no particular timeline for a long-distance relationship but, on an average, it can last up to 7 years. However, some studies have claimed that a long-distance relationship tends to end much before the 7-year time span. Plus, a lot depends on the understanding and compatibility between the couple and how well they are able to deal with their issues.
Long-distance relationships teach you patience, you appreciate each other more, and value the little things your partner does for you. You also learn to value the time you spend together. Boredom doesn’t creep into your sex life. You also learn a lot about yourself.
Long distance relationships can be healthy if you keep the communication going and do not get too possessive, insecure, or clingy in the relationship. Trust is an extremely important factor. Plus, you get to have your own space and a lot of time for yourself. However, both partners will have to put in the required effort to keep the relationship healthy.
Distance can be great for a relationship. As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. It can positively impact your life and relationship, and bring you closer to your partner.
