A long-distance relationship–or LDR, as it is more commonly known–is very different from a normal one. There are definitely good and bad aspects, but generally you don’t enter an LDR on purpose. It just happens when you meet the right guy at the wrong time, but you know he’s worth the extra effort that an LDR will require.
Those who have ever had a long-distance relationship can attest to how different it is from a normal one. Here are just some of the things that LDR couples experience that normal couples typically don’t.
1. Cultural differences
While there are plenty of interracial couples that aren’t long distance (and there are many LDR couples who aren’t from different cultures), you will find that these cultural differences are far more pronounced when your lover still lives in his home country, especially if he has never left it before. You will learn things about his country that will surprise you, and you will have to deal with the differences and arguments that will arise because of them. You will be surprised at how much influence a culture can have upon a person, and you will have to learn to make adjustments if you want the LDR to last.
2. Sleepless nights
If you thought staying up late to daydream about your crush was bad, just wait until you are dating someone who lives in a totally different timezone. When my husband and I were in a long-distance relationship, we had a 16-hour time difference. When it was morning in the United States, it was time for him to sleep in the Philippines. But part of being in an LDR is making sacrifices, and one of the things that will be sacrificed is your sleep. You’ll find that, more nights than not, you’ll be staying up later than you ever thought possible and running on just a few hours of sleep each night, just to have some time with your guy on Skype.
3. Travel opportunities
One of the huge advantages of being in a long-distance relationship is being able to embrace new travel opportunities. Obviously, travel will be involved in an LDR as you’ll have to spend time in person someone, so one of you will have to visit the other. This opens up opportunities to explore a new place, whether your guy lives just a couple hours away or across the world. It’s also a great excuse to travel in your own place; when your man comes to visit you have an excuse to do all the touristy things that you secretly like to do and explore the places you never realized were just a short drive away.
4. Skype sex
Though seldom spoken of, Skype sex is a driving force that keeps long distance relationships going when you don’t get to see each other for months, or even for years. Normal couples would probably be disturbed by the idea of showing your genitals on webcam to your lover over Skype, but when you’re in an LDR, you learn to take whatever form of intimacy you can get–and trust me, it does get more comfortable to do eventually, and you and your man will both be grateful for it in the long run.
5. The meet up
The absolute best part of being in a long-distance relationship is the meet up. Whether it’s your first time meeting in person ever, or just the first time you’ve seen each other in several months, the first time you see your guy in person after so long will always make every hard moment endured during the LDR worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of stepping out of the airport and seeing your guy there waiting for you as you run into his arms and share an airport kiss. This is the moment when you know you’re doing the right thing by pursuing the long distance relationship, and the moment that keeps you going.
Long-distance relationships are certainly not easy, and someone who has only been in normal relationships will notice how many differences there truly are right away. But if it’s with the right guy, it will be more than worth it once you finally close the distance for good.