Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Relationships in adolescence can be challenging. Relationships can be tested even more when there’s not only emotional distance between a couple but geological distance as well.  

Many people have mixed opinions about long distance relationships. There are countless heart-warming success stories of couples making long distance work and maintaining a happy, balanced and healthy relationship. However, there are also those train-wreck stories of couples that struggle to work with the distance. Every couple is different; finding the right strategies to go about your relationship can make all the difference.

There are many different situations that drive people to pursue a long distance relationship. A common situation in Salt Lake City in particular is LDS missionaries leaving on missions for two years. It also is a common occurrence for young couples in college to take time apart for internships. Many couples in these situations have success in their long distance relationships. But how do they do it? 

Communication

Keeping strong communication is a huge part in making any relationship work. In situations where the time a couple spends together is so limited, this is especially important. Individuals who seek couples therapy get great advice and feedback on communication in relationships. The same advice given in therapy to partners that live together can be applied to long distance relationships. 

Partners who are completely honest and open with each other about their feelings tend to have less conflict and fewer misunderstandings, even if one is in Salt Lake City and the other on the East Coast. 

Patience 

Distance is great for partners in the sense that they are virtually forced to give each other space and let their significant other live their life. Therapy teaches that being independent and having a good sense of self-worth is a very healthy part of being in any relationship.

Whether you’re in Salt Lake City writing a missionary or on the East Coast with your significant other studying abroad in Europe, long-distance can be possible and successful while working together. 

Jordan Lee is a relationship writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Swinton Counseling.