Can long-distance relationships really work for serious marriage seekers?

Yes, long-distance relationships can work, especially if both partners are committed to making it work and have a shared vision for the future. It's crucial to establish clear expectations, maintain frequent communication, build trust, and plan for eventual reunification.

I'm interested in marrying a woman from overseas. Can a long-distance relationship lead to a successful international marriage?

Many couples successfully transition from long-distance relationships to marriage, even when there's an international component. The key is open communication about expectations, cultural differences, and future plans, including potential relocation.

How can I manage the emotional challenges of a long-distance relationship while looking for a serious commitment?

While long-distance relationships can be emotionally challenging, regular communication, trust in your partner, and planning future visits can help mitigate feelings of loneliness. Focusing on shared goals and having something to look forward to can strengthen the bond.

What are some practical tips for making a long-distance relationship work while searching for a life partner?

Schedule regular video calls, send thoughtful messages, plan virtual dates, and be open about your feelings. Make concrete plans to visit each other as often as possible to maintain a strong emotional connection.

How can I ensure a long-distance relationship progresses towards marriage, especially with someone from another country?

Openly discuss your desire for marriage and ensure you're both on the same page regarding timelines and potential relocation. Consider planning trips together to experience each other's cultures and further solidify your bond.

People Keep Asking: Can Long-Distance Relationships Work?

Can long-distance relationships work? Yes, if you love someone enough that you’re willing to do everything to be with them.

After years of advocating for online and international dating, I’ve stopped counting the number of times I encounter people whose answer to the question “Can long-distance relationships work?” is a quick and resolute “No.”

Many of them believe it’s a waste of time. Some also say it’s just wishful thinking. They all claim that it’s simply not possible to maintain a successful relationship with someone you can’t physically be with.

The funny thing is that I happen to agree, at least for the most part.

Which is probably why in order for us to have a more positive view of LDRs, we need to really understand the purpose of this kind of arrangement.

Why Couples Choose to Be in a Long-Distance Relationship

The basic premise is this: when you love someone, you want to be with them.

This means being able to talk to them whenever you want, or being free to touch them to express affection or offer reassurance. When you love someone, their presence is something you want, even need.

So if that’s the case, can long-distance relationships work?

First, we need to decide what we mean by “work”, and for that, we need to revisit the reasons why people willingly enter an LDR:

They live far away from each other.
One partner has to move or travel for study or work.

Those two are the most common situations that require a couple to be in a long-distance relationship.

Unlike the arrangement where partners prefer “living apart together” (LAT), LDR is often the best option for those who want to stay together despite their geographical separation. Some meet online while living in different counties or have a chance encounter while traveling and have to part when they both need to go home.

Other long-distance couples see one partner moving to a different place to make a living or pursue a dream.

But what’s common among these examples is that the couple usually sees LDR as a temporary setup and not the ultimate objective.

How Can Long-Distance Relationships Work?

We won’t include those who genuinely believe that LDR is the best situation for them or who think a long-distance relationship can be a permanent arrangement.

Most of the time, LDR is transitory. The couple agree to keep their relationship despite the separation with the expectation that in the future, they will eventually be together.

For that to work, they need these three things, among others: communication, trust, and concrete plans.

Communication is important in order for a couple to know that they have compatible expectations — that they’re on the same page when it comes to their goals and reasons for being together.

They should also trust each other to remain faithful despite not always knowing where their partner is or what they’re doing. Trust that when they’re asked, “Can long-distance relationships work?”, the answer is yes because they both want it to work.

Lastly, a couple in an LDR also needs to have concrete plans for the future. This is where commitment comes in.

Not only should they understand that their arrangement is only temporary, they should also endeavor to see each other as often as they can to at least mitigate the emotional pain of a long-distance relationship. The cure for loneliness because of physical distance will always be physical closeness, so even if it takes a long time, it’s still vital to plan the next quality time they can have or the next vacation they can go on together.

Something to look forward to is important in making long-distance relationships work.

Sometimes, it’s for the next trip that will put the couple in the same room after so long.

But, ultimately, it’s for a future where they no longer have to be apart ever again.