Long-distance relationships can have their sweetness and joy, but more often than not, they’re filled with longing for each other and the helplessness of being apart. Yet, every couple who begins a long-distance relationship holds out hope for love and a desire to make it last. So, what’s the probability of a long-distance relationship ending? What factors kill long-distance relationships?
What exactly kills long-distance relationships? This question is too broad. Every relationship is unique, and there’s no authoritative research or summary of these issues, making it difficult to come up with a definitive answer.
1. Lack of Feeling in Long-Distance Relationships
There are many reasons for a long-distance relationship to end, ranging from infrequent meetings, insecurity, lack of attention, insufficient contact, and so on. But I believe the most important factor is: feeling.
It’s often said that the moment you doubt your partner’s love, the answer is already clear. While I don’t necessarily agree with this statement, it’s undeniably true in many situations. Feelings are defined as strong psychological reactions to external stimuli, so the “feelings” evoked by each other in a relationship are particularly important.
Long-Distance Relationships Lack of Feeling
Many people face the problem of clearly expressing their love for their partner, yet struggle to ensure their partner accurately receives this message. Long-distance relationships present even greater challenges in this regard than ordinary relationships:
We can’t be there for their meals, warm their hands in the winter, or fan them in the summer. We lack many ways and means to express our love. Therefore, I strongly recommend, and even require, long-distance relationships to regularly video chat with their partner. If this isn’t possible, voice calls can be used. Text chats always seem lackluster. How can I truly feel the three words “I love you” without the rhythmic rhythm? Perhaps due to the profoundness of Chinese culture, when chatting, the other person often doesn’t understand the emotions you’re trying to express, yet it’s difficult to express them clearly. So, video calls! Voice calls! These are truly crucial.
II. Meeting Details in Long-Distance Relationships
Another factor that can lead to long-distance relationship breakups is the details of the meetings:
Did you prepare any surprises for your long-distance meeting?
Did you plan a good itinerary?
…
Meeting Details in Long-Distance Relationships
Actually, these aren’t crucial for long-distance couples. What’s important is that you use the opportunity to meet up to make up for the lack of companionship in your daily life. You can go grocery shopping. Even if you usually buy a lot of snacks online for your partner, the feeling of holding hands while choosing is what you need to make up for. When dining, do you order your partner’s favorite dishes and drinks? It’s not about giving your partner the power to order; remembering their preferences is the key to making them feel more cared for. Of course, don’t do this all the time; give each other the freedom to choose; who knows, they might want to try something different.
If you finally meet up in person after a long-distance relationship, but you’re busy playing games on your phone, what’s the point of meeting up in the first place?
Of course, there are more factors than just the two above that can kill a long-distance relationship. Maintaining a long-distance relationship requires the combined efforts of both partners.