Long-distance relationship
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A long-distance relationship is a relationship between people who are physically far apart. Typically they are dating or married.
Some reasons for long-distance relationships are:
- They met through a dating service and live far apart.
- They met in an Internet community, such as a forum or multiplayer online game.
- They met while one or both was on vacation.
- They used to live close together, but one has since moved away (e.g., job, college, military)
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[edit] Popularity
The best estimates suggest that about 7 million couples in the United States consider themselves long distance. These include 2.5 to 3 million long distance marriages and between 3 and 4.5 million dating couples. Some studies suggest rates of long distance marriage as high as 10-16%. [citation needed]
Between 27 and 63% of military marriages are long distance. Among college students, 25% report being in an LDR at any given time and 78% report having had an LDR at some point during their time in college. Among first year college students, estimates suggest that as many as 50% of students report an LDR. [citation needed]
[edit] Trust
Trust between the two parties is a key requirement for a successful long-distance relationship. Either party may be engaging in social activities which, under usual circumstances, could lead to the forming of a relationship. For example, one party may go out with friends or colleagues from work. These colleagues may very well include single persons interested in a relationship. For them it may appear that the long-distance relationship is 'weak' and not substantially important. It requires each partner to learn to trust the other. Of course, the same can be said of regular relationships as well.
[edit] Visits
Long-distance relationships can be successful when both partners make efforts to visit each other. Discussing possible times to visit, and planning these "vacations" together can assist with strengthening the relationship. Furthermore, it can help build trust.
However, it is important to remember that the success of a long-distance relationship can be aversely affected by the length of time the couple is apart. Since an indefinite amount of time apart is a key feature shared by all long-distance relationships, it can be argued that LDRs are considerably more challenging than regular relationships. This makes it all the more important to keep open lines of communication with one another.
[edit] LDRs and technology
Online dating has greatly expanded the opportunities to meet people from other parts of the world. Because of this, long distance relationships are becoming more common. Technology including cell phones, e-mail, online chatting and video conferencing have made it easier to keep in touch. Other forms of communication can include:
- Letters
- Text messaging
- Sending gifts (e.g., flowers, scented clothes, chocolates)
- Shared online activities (e.g., online games such as chess, roleplay games such as Ragnarok)
- Shared offline activities (e.g., watching the same movie while talking on the phone)
