If you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship, you know the unique struggles that comes with it. You find a partner who checks all the boxes on your list, and you are head over heels in love. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, you now find yourselves living miles apart, and facing the daunting challenge of maintaining a long-distance relationship. This is a common struggle that all of us in long-distance relationships face every day.
Now, if you haven’t been in a long-distance relationship yourself, you may be wondering why so many people say that long-distance relationships are so challenging.
In this post, I’m going to break down the reasons why long-distance relationships can be so difficult to the point of hurting.
I have written a whole other article on how to survive a long-distance relationship, that will help you overcome some of the challenges listed in this post.
#1; Lack of physical presence
The first reason why long-distance relationships hurt so much is the lack of physical presence. When you’re in a relationship, physical touch and intimacy are essential for emotional connection and bonding. However, in a long-distance relationship, you may not have the opportunity to be physically present with your partner as often as you would like. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional detachment.
For example, you might miss out on simple things like holding hands, hugging, or cuddling while watching a movie. These small gestures may not seem like a big deal, but they can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being and the overall health of your relationship.
One way to combat this is to get used to being alone, and get used to doing things on your own without depending on your partner, as they will not always be physically present.
#2; Loneliness
Loneliness in a long-distance relationship is something that many of us have experienced, and it can be one of the most challenging aspects of being apart from your partner.
For instance, you might find yourself feeling lonely when you’re home alone on a Friday night, and your friends are out with their partners. Or, you might feel lonely when you’re scrolling through social media, and you see pictures of couples spending time together.
Small things like hearing a song that reminds you of your partner or seeing a couple holding hands on the street can trigger feelings of loneliness. It’s important to remember that feeling lonely is normal and natural, but it’s essential to find ways to cope with these feelings and stay connected with your partner.
The feeling of loneliness can be a difficult one to overcome, but an easy tip that will at least set you on the right track is to make friends that can be there for you so you are not alone. To help you create beneficial friendships that will last the test of time, I have written a whole other article here: How to create friendships that last: The secret to meaningful relationships.
#3; Communication challenges
When you’re in a different time zone, or miles apart, it can be challenging to find a suitable time to talk. Plus, the lack of face-to-face interaction can make it harder to express yourself effectively.
Moreover, long-distance relationships can be challenging because there may be a lot of unknowns. For instance, when will you see each other next? When will you be able to close the distance? These questions can create anxiety and stress, which can strain your relationship.
Here is a list of tips on how you can improve your communication with your long distance partner.
- Set aside dedicated time to talk to each other, whether it’s through video chat, phone calls, or texting.
- Have regular check-ins and make an effort to stay up-to-date with each other’s lives.
- Be open and honest with your partner about your feelings and concerns.
- Listen actively when they’re speaking to you.
- Avoid making assumptions or jumping to conclusions, and instead, ask for clarification.
- Use technology to your advantage, send each other voice memos, share photos and videos, or even play games together online.
#4; Trust Issues
Trust issues in a long-distance relationship can be a real struggle, and it’s not uncommon to feel anxious or insecure when you’re apart from your partner. For example, you might feel jealous when your partner goes out with friends, or you might worry that they’re not being honest with you about their feelings or actions.
Additionally, social media can exacerbate trust issues, as you may see your partner interacting with other people online and wonder if there’s something more going on. It’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about your concerns and work together to build a foundation of trust.
This may involve setting clear boundaries, checking in with each other regularly, and finding ways to show each other that you’re committed to the relationship.
Be honest about your feelings, set clear boundaries, and do things together that can help build trust, like watching movies or playing games online. It takes time and effort from both parties, but working together can strengthen your connection and create a more resilient relationship.
#5; Temptation and Jealousy
Another reason why long-distance relationships can be difficult is the temptation and jealousy that can arise. When you’re not physically present with your partner, it can be easy to feel jealous or insecure about their interactions with others.
Feeling jealous and insecure in your relationship can easily escalate to the point of developing relationship anxiety which you can read more about in this article I wrote: Relationship anxiety; signs, causes and how to cope. This can be especially challenging if you’re in a long-distance relationship with someone who is outgoing and social.
Additionally, the distance can make it harder to resist temptation. You or your partner may be exposed to new people or experiences that could lead to infidelity or emotional betrayal.
To fix temptation and jealousy in a long-distance relationship, communicate openly and honestly, focus on building trust, take care of yourself, and reframe your mindset to focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. By staying committed and working together, you can overcome these challenges and create a strong, fulfilling relationship.
#6; Different Life paths
Finally, long-distance relationships can be challenging because they often require both partners to make sacrifices and compromises. For example, one partner may have to put their career on hold to move to be with the other, or one partner may have to give up their dream job to move to be with their partner.
Furthermore, when you’re in a long-distance relationship, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of shared goals and values. You and your partner may have different life paths or priorities, which can make it harder to build a life together.
A few ways you and your partner can overcome this challenge is by maintaining a sense of shared purpose and commitment to your relationship, even if you’re pursuing different goals or living in different places.
This might mean setting aside regular time for video calls or planning special trips or events that you can look forward to.
It’s also important to be flexible and adaptable and to embrace change as it happens. Sometimes that might mean making sacrifices or taking risks, but ultimately it can lead to a deeper connection and a more fulfilling life.
A word from Omihoop
Long-distance relationships can be tough, but they’re not impossible. It takes a lot of effort, patience, and trust to make them work. If you’re currently in a long-distance relationship or considering one, it’s important to communicate openly with your partner about your needs, feelings, and expectations.
With the right mindset and commitment, you can overcome the challenges and build a strong, healthy, and happy long-distance relationship.
