The Sounds of Advice #28: Long Distance Relationships


This week we have a guest blogger! The lovely Aimee McKenzie has written an article to share with you all. 

 Long-distance relationships(LRDs) are very hard to maintain, especially in a world where ‘side chicks’ are encouraged. It’s very hard to understand the needs and wants of someone who lives hundreds, even thousands of miles away, without having a very strong, very specific connection and a lot of trust between you both.

 Now, don’t get me wrong, I am in no way suggesting this is a bad thing or a negative thing in any way. I’ve had a few LDRs and currently live with my boyfriend, who started off over 160 miles way. We have our ups and downs but that’s just how relationships are.

 I’ve been personally involved in four or five LDRs in my lifetime, and they were all very different. All but one unfortunately failed, though I still consider two of those exes fond friends. Failure is okay, it makes you human and nobody can take that from you.

 The one thing you really have to keep in mind, is that trust and honesty are the two main factors in LDRs. There’s so much trust needed, and it can be hard, but if you believe it’s meant to be then you will succeed. Honestly is also a huge factor. The distance and lack of physical involvement can create a lot of paranoia and tension, which can be easily defused with honestly and communication.

 To make a long story short, LDRs are far from easy, and so, so far from a typical relationship. But, at the same time, it is so, so much more rewarding. That first face-to-face meeting is the best experience you will have in a long time, and what happens beyond that? Well, that’s up to you. Don’t be out off by people telling you how hard or impossible long-distance relationships are. The best things in life are hard and the most rewarding things are the ones that seem the most impossible.

 Good luck for the future!

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