Long-distance relationships are not for everyone. They require patience, commitment, and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the relationship. If you’re considering a long-distance relationship, here are some signs that you may not be cut out for it.
#1; Physical touch is your love language
If physical touch and intimacy are important to you and they help you feel connected to your partner, then you are not cut out for a long-distance relationship. When you are in a LDR, physical touch, and intimacy can be very hard to come by.
Without the ability to touch and be physically close to your partner, physical touch in LDR is limited to phone calls, video chats, and occasional visits, making it hard to feel emotionally connected and fulfilled.
If you crave physical touch, such as holding hands, cuddling, and kissing, not having those needs fulfilled can make it hard for you to stay committed in the relationship, it can lead to frustration, infidelity, or other behaviors that can harm the relationship.
#2; Have fear of abandonment
Long-distance relationships can be emotionally challenging, even for people without a fear of abandonment. The physical distance can make it harder to feel emotionally connected and secure, and it can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and doubt.
With fear of abandonment, you may be tempted to rely too much on your partner for emotional support and validation and become too clingy and demanding. This can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and insecurity and put a strain on your relationship.
You can read the article I wrote on Relationship Anxiety: Signs, Causes & How to Cope to know more about this fear of abandonment, and how to can affect your relationship.
#3; You struggle with trust
When you’re physically separated from your partner for an extended period of time, it’s easy for doubts and insecurities to creep in. You may find yourself questioning whether your partner is being faithful, whether they still love you, or whether they’re as committed to the relationship as you are. It can be hard to fully trust your partner’s words and actions, even when communicating frequently through technology.
If you are someone with trust issues, you may find yourself needing more reassurance than someone who doesn’t struggle with trust. It can be hard to get the constant reassurance you need especially since your partner is far away.
Without regular and open communication, it’s easy for misunderstandings and miscommunications to occur, which can increase the existing trust issues, and cause anxiety, resentment, jealousy, and mistrust. This can undermine the relationship and make it difficult to maintain in the long run.
#4; You struggle with communication
Being able to communicate effectively is key to keeping the connection alive and strong when physical distance separates you from your partner. However, if you’re someone who struggles with communication it can be difficult to convey your thoughts and feelings as most communication is taking place through phone.
When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you don’t have the luxury of reading each other’s body language or being physically present to help facilitate conversations. Face-to-face interaction is limited, and it’s easy for misunderstandings and miscommunications to occur.
While it’s possible to improve your communication skills, it can be challenging, particularly when distance amplifies existing challenges. That is why I have written another article on How To Talk To People: A Guide to Having a Conversation, which will show you step by step how to improve your communication.
#5; You have limited resources
Long-distance relationships can be great, even if you’re physically far away from your partner. However, they can also be expensive and time-consuming, which can make them challenging for people with limited resources.
One of the most significant expenses of a long-distance relationship is travel. Whether it’s to visit your partner or to attend special events, such as birthdays or holidays, travel costs can add up quickly. If you have limited resources, you may not be able to afford frequent trips.
Communication costs can also be a significant expense. Whether it’s phone bills, internet bills, or the cost of sending care packages, staying connected with your partner can be expensive as well.
If you’re worried about money, you may feel guilty about spending it on visits or communication with your partner. This guilt can cause you additional stress and can lead to feelings of resentment or frustration, which is a recipe for a failed relationship.
#6; You have a busy schedule
Long-distance relationships require a lot of time and effort. If you have a busy schedule, such as a demanding job or school workload, it may be challenging to find the time and energy to prioritize the relationship.
Quality time is important in all relationships, especially long-distance relationships where time spent together is very limited. With a busy schedule, you may have to schedule phone or video calls around your work or class schedule, which can make it harder to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
You may feel torn between spending time with your partner and meeting your professional or academic goals, which can create stress and resentment. It’s important to have a clear understanding with your partner about your priorities and commitments, but this can be difficult to navigate when your schedule is already packed.
#7; You have unresolved personal issues
Even under the best circumstances, long-distance relationships require a lot of trusts, communication, and emotional support. This can be difficult to maintain if you have unresolved personal issues or past trauma.
This emotional baggage can cause a strain on your relationship making it harder to trust your partner, communicate effectively, provide emotional support, or maintain healthy boundaries in the relationship. Here is an article I wrote on Simple Habits To Build A Stronger Relationship With Yourself, which can help you create healthy boundaries in your relationships
You may be more likely to cling to your partner for emotional support or become overly jealous or possessive.
Additionally, having unresolved personal issues may make it harder for you to prioritize your relationship because you are preoccupied with your own emotional needs, or you might be feeling overwhelmed by your own problems. This can make it harder to be emotionally present for your partner and may result in feelings of neglect or abandonment, which can further strain the relationship.
#8; You lack a support system
If you lack a strong support system, a long-distance relationship may not be the best choice for you. While it’s possible to make a long-distance relationship work without a support system, it can be challenging, particularly if you’re feeling alone and unsupported.
Without the support of friends and family, it can be hard to navigate the ups and downs of the relationship. You may feel like you’re carrying the weight of the relationship alone, without anyone to turn to for advice or emotional support.
You may feel like you have nowhere to turn when you’re feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to bottling up your emotions or taking them out on your partner.
This can create tension and conflict in the relationship, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, or cause you to stay in a relationship that may not be healthy or right for you, simply because you don’t have anyone to provide you with a different perspective.
It is therefore important that you find and build strong relationships around you. Here is an article where I wrote all about How To Make Friendships That Last: The Secret to Meaningful Relationships.
