Millennium Post (Kolkata)

A longdistan­ce relationsh­ip cannot survive without hope. Something to look forward to together is a great reason to stick around

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Quality communicat­ion

Loneliness

Lack of physical touch and face-toface conversati­ons

Uncertaint­y

Trust issues

Fear of losing them

Lying and deceit

Assumption­s about the partner and their friends

Time difference

Difference of opinion

Inability to resolve the conflict Worried you may cheat on the partner in a weak moment

Not being able to feel and give a hundred per cent

vOne partner putting more effort into the relationsh­ip

Financial expenses in travel, communicat­ion etc.

vvBenefits of LDR

Several studies have found that LDRs exhibit more excellent stability than proximate relationsh­ips. The age-old adage, “distance makes the heart grow fonder”, may work for some.

A lot of individual­s enjoy the fact that when they meet their LDR partners, they are able to spend all the time with them and not be burdened with other day-today responsibi­lities.

Many new-age married couples are living apart for better work opportunit­ies. They may be staying in different cities, posted elsewhere, prefer to be digital nomads and choose different physical locations than their spouses. With better career opportunit­ies in different locations, they may choose to live apart. They are referred to as “Dual career commuter couples”.

Yes and no. Every relationsh­ip works when the individual­s involved in it put in the work. No relationsh­ip whether LDR or non-LDR can thrive when the basic pillars like trust, honesty, communicat­ion, love and patience are missing. The success of a relationsh­ip depends on many factors.

Communicat­ion is important but overcommun­ication is not: One of the most over-rated pieces of advice out there is to communicat­e in the relationsh­ip and thrust rules around it. Communicat­ion should not be forced. Following a schedule may help you but both partners should choose to share as much or as little as they need at that moment. Let the communicat­ion be more organic.

Stop assuming: If you find yourself making all sorts of assumption­s or judgments that are often either exaggerate­d or else completely wrong, then stop. Re-consider. Stop looking for issues in your LDR where there aren’t any.

Red flags: Figure out and discuss

vvvthe red flags with your partner. When will you both consider having a serious talk, if things are going awry? What is the threshold of tolerance for both? How would you know you are growing apart?

Ask your partner and yourself – “Is the distance temporary”? A long-distance relationsh­ip cannot survive without hope. Something to look forward to together is a great reason to stick around. It is important that you have something to keep you going, whether it’s the next big date, a vacation or even a big move together eventually. Plan out a date set somewhere in stone to have something to hold on to and work consciousl­y towards.

Secure attachment: Work on forging a secure attachment by supporting each other’s interests, and having genuine respect for each other’s time, space and choices. Far yet close: Find a way to hang out together while apart. You can decide to watch the same videos, stream the same show, read the same book, play games online together, or even set up virtual dates. Don’t forget to randomly surprise your partner every now and then with gestures and gifts.

Intimacy: Don’t neglect intimacy. It is vital for any relationsh­ip to survive. Engaging in sexting, conversati­on, or even virtually lending each other a helping hand can be good for a relationsh­ip. Have an honest conversati­on with your partner about boundary setting and expectatio­ns when it comes to sex & intimacy while in LDR.

Gratitude and appreciati­on: Verbal and non-verbal expression­s of gratitude go a long way in solidifyin­g any relationsh­ip.

Popular movies on LDR: ‘You’ve Got Mail’ and ‘The Notebook’.

Send your questions to help@dreradutta.com

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