Long-distance relationships can be challenging even for the most compatible of partners. You may think that love can conquer all, but distance can put even the strongest relationships to the test.
While some long-distance relationships can work, the reality is that many of them do not. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why long-distance relationships are not likely to succeed.
Here are 12 reasons why your long-distance relationship will not work:
#1; Having different love languages
Love languages are the ways in which people express and receive love. These can include acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, and receiving gifts.
If you and your partner have different love languages, it can be challenging to maintain intimacy and connection over a long distance. It can also be difficult to feel loved and appreciated in the relationship, especially when you’re apart.
For example, if your love language is physical touch, and your partner’s love language is acts of service, you may feel neglected or unloved when they’re not physically present to show you affection. This can create a rift in your relationship and lead to feelings of frustration and loneliness, setting the relationship on the path to failure.
#2; Having different long-term goals
In addition to love languages, having different long-term goals can also be a major obstacle in a long-distance relationship. If you and your partner have vastly different ideas about what you want to accomplish in life, it can be difficult to stay on the same page and work towards a common future.
You may want to settle down and start a family, but your partner is more focused on building their career, it can be challenging to find a compromise that satisfies both of your needs.
Long-distance relationships require a lot of patience, commitment, and sacrifice, and partners have to put their individual goals and plans on hold to prioritize the relationship.
#3; You have different communication styles
Communication is a critical component of any relationship, but it can be especially challenging in a long-distance relationship.
If you and your partner have different ways of expressing yourselves and resolving conflicts, it can be difficult to work through problems when you’re not physically together.
One of you might prefer phone calls while the other prefers text messages. Your partner might also prefer to talk through issues and resolve conflicts in real-time, but maybe you need time to process their emotions before addressing problems.
This mismatch in communication style can make it difficult to find a common ground and difficult to maintain consistent communication. This can be frustrating and lead to misunderstandings and tension that never gets resolved.
#4; You have different time zones
One of the most challenging aspects of a long-distance relationship that might cause it to fail is dealing with different time zones. When you and your partner live in different time zones, it can be tough to find a time that works for both of you to talk and spend quality time together.
You may have to sacrifice sleep or other commitments just to make time for each other. This can result in missed calls, canceled plans, and a general feeling of disconnection, exhaustion, and stress of trying to keep up with each other.
#5; Financial strain
Long-distance relationships can be expensive. This is especially true when it comes to traveling to see each other. If one partner has limited financial resources, it can be difficult to make the relationship work without putting a strain on their finances.
Sometimes time off from work or school is needed to make these visits, and this can too adds on to the financial strain in terms of having limited resources.
#6; You have different cultural backgrounds
Culture plays a significant role in shaping our beliefs, values, and behaviors. When you’re in a long-distance relationship with someone from a different cultural background, it can be difficult to navigate these differences and find common ground.
You may find that you and your partner have different expectations and norms around relationships and communication, and sometimes finances. These differences can create misunderstandings and conflicts, especially if one partner feels that their needs or expectations are not being met.
#7; You have different personality types
People have different personality types, and some types may find it more challenging to maintain a long-distance relationship than others.
For example, if one partner is introverted and prefers to spend time alone, and the other partner is extroverted and craves social interaction, it can be difficult to find a balance that works for both.
#8; You have conflicting schedules
If you and your partner have conflicting schedules, such as one working night shifts and the other working during the day, it can be taxing to find a time to connect and communicate.
You may find that your partner is always busy when you’re free, or vice versa. The lack of quality time can be a significant issue for many long-distance couples, and a valid reason for long-distance relationships failing.
#9; You have different expectations for the relationship
Another challenge that will most likely result in your long-distance relationship failing is having different expectations for the relationship.
One of you may be wanting to get married and start a family, while the other is not ready for that level of commitment, or one partner may be working towards closing the distance gap, while the other is totally fine with being long-distance. This disconnect in expectations can lead to tension and frustration, and ultimately causing the relationship to fail.
#10; Lack of shared experience
When you’re in a long-distance relationship, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your partner, because you’re not able to do things together or share experiences in the same way that you would if you were living in the same place.
Being in a relationship where you feel disconnected from your partner can be very difficult to maintain, and will result in a break up sooner or later.
#11; The distance itself
The physical separation in long-distance relationships also possess significant challenges and is one of the reasons why many long-distance relationships fail to work.
When you’re not able to be with your partner in person, it can be difficult to feel connected and maintain the intimacy that you would have in a traditional relationship.
The lack of physical touch and intimacy can cause frustration and tension, leading to the eventual breakdown of the relationship.
#12; You or your partner are not willing to make it work
Ultimately, maintaining a long-distance relationship requires a lot of effort, patience, and commitment. If one of you is not willing to make the necessary sacrifices, prioritize the relationship, or invest in communication and connection, then the relationship is most likely to fail.
This lack of effort can manifest in many ways, from infrequent communication to avoiding difficult conversations or neglecting the relationship’s needs.
A word from Omihoop
It’s exhilarating to be in love with someone who lives far away, but it can also be challenging to maintain a relationship when you’re not able to spend much time together. Yes, long-distance relationships are challenging, and most of them will fail, especially if you find that you and your partner share some of the reasons provided above.
But don’t be discouraged, because by being aware of the potential issues and taking proactive steps to address them, you just might be able to build a strong, lasting relationship with your long-distance partner.
