What does science say about long-distance relationships?
If you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship, you probably know how challenging they can be.
There’s the longing for your partner – dreaming about reuniting and when you will spend time together again, the loneliness you feel when you’re apart for long periods of time, and then the incredible high when you are finally in each other’s arms again.
Most people who have been in a long-distance relationship will tell you they can work if certain criteria are met including:
- knowing there is an end date to being separated
- knowing when you will next see each other
- staying in touch via the phone, Skype, WhatsApp or Facebook
- developing long term plans together for your future.
These things can help you overcome the loneliness and manage the longing to be together.
Research on long-distance relationships in college students provides some interesting data on what makes for a successful relationship, as well as what might be an indicator of the demise of a relationship when the distance is involved.
If you’re interested in knowing how to make a long-distance relationship work, check out the infographic below and you might be surprised by the results.
Infographic credit: Science of Relationships
Do you need relationship help?
If you need help with your relationship, contact Clinton Power + Associates on (02) 8968 9323 to discuss your situation and find out how we can help.
Photo credit: Unsplash.com
Since 2003, Clinton Power has helped thousands of couples and individuals as a counsellor and psychotherapist in private practice in Sydney and online in Australia. Clinton regularly comments in the media on issues of relationships and has appeared on Channel 7, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC Radio. Clinton’s eBook, 31 Days to Build a Better Relationship is available through his website or Amazon. Click here to take Clinton’s relationship checkup quiz to find out how well you know your partner.