The Internet has done a lot of positive things for people over the past two-and-a-half decades. One of the biggest things has been expanding a person’s dating pool by at least a thousand times; possibly more. Dating sites geared toward every niche area of dating (race, sexual orientation, age, religion, location, etc.), social networks, and chat rooms have opened up the floodgates for a global meet market.
Therefore, it is not a surprise that more and more people are getting involved in long-distance relationships. It’s a foregone conclusion that people would end up dating someone from another city or state after meeting on a vacation or business trip, or being introduced by a friend or relative. These days you can send a friend request, comment on a photo, or inbox someone a message to get the ball rolling. On dating websites, it really helps because people will even detail what they are looking for (pen pal, friend, casual, serious, marriage, or simply sex). Yes … yes … yes … it is all so exciting …
… Until the inability to turn over every morning and gaze into someone’s eyes is not possible unless you are using Skype or Facetime. Having to text the other person while you are out on a date by yourself and they are at home cooking dinner to eat alone. Calculating expenses and coordinating calendars to be able to even see each other in person. It can be a chore. The question is: is it worth it?
Unless one or both people are open to relocating if things become serious, it will be hard to consider marriage at any point. If people want to have that distance so they can concentrate on their careers and only want to spend a couple of days here or there with someone, it is perfect. But for those who want more, it can become a challenge and quickly.
There are many couples who met and got married after being in long-distance relationships. So yes, it can definitely work. However, both people have to be realistic about the situation from day one. Have you ever had a successful long-distance relationship? Did it lead to a commitment? If you have not been in one, would you ever consider it? Can you buy into the “absence makes the heart grow fonder” state of mind or do you want to be able to see your soul mate on a daily basis? Let me hear your thoughts.
