Long-distance relationship felt different in person

Q. I have been “talking” to a guy since August, and recently we made it more official. We were casual friends who worked together, but then we disclosed our feelings at the end of the summer. We went our separate ways — two different states — but kept in communication. We’ve FaceTimed every night for hours since. I felt very comfortable with him in person, liked him a lot, and have really enjoyed getting to know him better, even through long-distance. My feelings definitely ebbed a bit due to distance and time, but they were still there.

I’m back in the same state as him for the holidays and January, so we finally got to meet up in person again. We’ve gone on two in-person dates so far. He met my family and they like him. He likes them too. Here’s the problem: On one level, it was great talking to him and I feel like it went well.

On another level, I’m not at ease. I felt anxious and stressed the whole night before our second date. It kind of felt like an out-of-body experience the whole time.

Nothing about him has changed that I can tell. I still think he’s great. I just don’t feel the same ease in his presence that I used to. Here’s my question: Do you think my stress was brought on by the combination of first date/ meeting-the-family/suddenly being in person, or do you think it’s an indicator that something is wrong? Should I stick it out and see if I feel more comfortable next time we’re able to meet in person (in a few weeks)?

UNCOMFORTABLE

A. If the next planned visit is in a few weeks, see how you feel then.

Know that long-distance relationships are difficult because of the time spent in different places, but also because of what happens when people finally meet up in person. It can require rebooting the routine all over again. You got used to FaceTime, but then everything — including family — was in front of you. That’s a lot of pressure, so of course it would feel complicated and uncomfortable.

It’s possible that the unease in your body is also your way of asking yourself whether these visits will be enough.

The nervousness could represent a lack of faith that this can go on as is. If so, you’ll feel it again the next time you see him — and you can address it then.

There is something wrong, and it is, in fact, the distance. He might be wonderful for you, but the separation is real, so you’ll have to decide whether it’s something you can work around. It’s very possible you can, but at the moment you don’t know. That’s OK. Next time, pay attention to when you feel weird about what’s happening. If you have questions, write them down.

It’s not about whether he’s changed. You have to figure out whether the two of you, assuming you still like each other a lot, are building a routine that’s sustainable.

MEREDITH

READERS RESPOND:

A lot of words about feeling “uneasy” with this situation, but not one word about WHY you’re doing long-distance and what the plans for the future might look like. If it were to work out (doubtful by the tone of this letter), what’s your end game? If you don’t have one, THAT is your anxiety/discomfort. You need a why. I didn’t hear one.

ORGANFAILURE818

No doubt he is a great guy, but your letter is saying that you need to date someone who lives near you.

SUNALSORISES Some things just don’t work the same way on Zoom or FaceTime.

FAKEITTILLYOUMAKEIT

A partner should bring comfort and joy not stress and discomfort. I think what you have here is a good friendship and an overactive imagination.

PRONE2XS

On your next date, don’t speak, just text each other across the dinner table.

FRIARTUCK01

Send your own relationship and dating questions to loveletters@globe.com. Catch new episodes of Meredith Goldstein’s “Love Letters” podcast at loveletters.show or wherever you listen to podcasts. Column and comments are edited and reprinted from boston.com/loveletters.