You usually associate relationships with intimacy, quality time together, and all the closeness you can think of, right? This is all true but the way, the best way to create and maintain a bond between people in a relationship is to engage in all kinds of intimacy.
Being in a long-distance relationship can be considered a disadvantage because it goes against all the bonding and cosying techniques that are trusted to build up a relationship. Have you ever thought of it being a good thing for your relationship though? Has it ever occurred to you that maybe the long distance is exactly what your relationship needs?
Several experts detail the benefits of being far away from the love of your life.
Tests faithfulness: The Marriage publication claims that long-distance relationships test faithfulness by exposing partners to potential unfaithfulness through extra-romantic affairs. “You may not entirely be able to ascertain whether your partner is truly faithful to you and your relationship until there is an opportunity to live apart for a while. Therefore a long-distance relationship helps test your partner’s faithfulness. The publication further states that if you’re willing to make the relationship work, you will naturally learn how to be faithful in a long-distance relationship.
Helps you value each other: “Long distance relationships can help you appreciate your partner a little more. Many times, while couples are together, they tend to take each other for granted,” states Health Shots. This publication believes that couples frequently tend to take each other for granted when they are together, however, if they are separated by distance, the relationship may get stronger as you learn to understand one another better and start to notice more of your partner’s good qualities.
You will value communication: Health Shots also states that when a couple lives apart from one another, their only ways of communicating are via phone and video chats, as a result, all of your wants and longing during the day may help you in your efforts to communicate more effectively. “Since a long-distance relationship has its limitations, making the best of the situation by communicating becomes a priority.”
Enhances resilience: According to Better Help, long-distance partners often experience stress, but resilience can be strengthened by coping and feeling grateful for their time together, enhancing their ability to appreciate and cherish their time together. “If you’ve been through periods of separation or have spent months or years apart, your resilience could help you feel grateful and cherish your time together when you’re face to face.”
Emotional intimacy: The Simply Alex Jean publication claims that long-distance relationships are healthy as they focus on emotional intimacy, allowing for deeper connection and trust building. “You’ll be emotionally connected rather than lust-driven. And, again, while this might prove frustrating at times, it can also be a really good thing, especially in those early months when so many relationships are ruled by hormones instead of time spent together.”
Independence: According to the Huff Post these types of relationships offer space for love, self-care, and self-reflection, allowing for a healthy balance between independence and enjoyment of one’s free life. “You have lots of time for the things you love, for yourself, for missing each other. You get the benefits of being in a relationship, but can still enjoy your free, independent life.”
Also see: The importance of embracing vulnerability in a relationship
