We have all heard the expression, “You don’t choose who you fall in love with.” Distance does not impact feelings toward a significant other.
Today, it feels as if we are surrounded by peers in long-distance relationships, which are more common than you’d think. According to Match.com, one out of every five college students is in a long-distance relationship. Still, long-distance relationships are misunderstood. Many of us do not even consider them because the idea sounds crazy. Our society believes that long-distance relationships are destined to fail.
It is easy to judge others and their decisions, but put yourself in their shoes. Understand that the distance part of a long-distance college relationship will eventually come to an end and the couple will eventually be reunited. For long-distance relationships to work, there must be unwavering trust, immense patience and the correct attitude, but this is no different from any relationship.
Every relationship — business partnerships, friendships, and romantic relationships — is based on trust. Ultimately, trust is not something that is just given out but rather earned overtime through countless experiences. Most long-distance relationships start when the two live close by and already trust each other. When there is a strong level of trust, we accept the other person entirely and form a bond that cannot be broken easily. Without trust, a relationship is strained and there is the constant fear of the unknown. In a long-distance relationship, trust is essential because there are constant doubts about the truthfulness of what the significant other might be saying; however, this fear exists in any other relationship. Just because you live five minutes away from one another doesn’t mean they are telling the truth.
It may seem to be easier to neglect someone who is further away because we do not see them every day. It could possibly be months before the couple in a long-distance relationship can see each other again. Luckily, with technology constantly improving, there are several ways to communicate, from video chatting to social media. Even without distance, we can overlook our significant other while trying to balance time between classes, studying, work, social life, and extracurricular activities. Patience is necessary for any relationship, and long-distance relationships are no different.
Devotion in a relationship is having love, loyalty, and enthusiasm for a person. The Greek philosopher Epicurus once said, “You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships every day. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” Although long-distance relationships can be difficult at times, in the end, a stronger connection is formed.
