Long-distance relationships can be problematic for the growth of a healthy relationship. The ramifications can also affect your mental health in negative ways. But it’s also possible to thrive in a long-distance relationship. Distance can indeed make the heart grow fonder.
What Being Apart Does to Your Brain
When you’re not living in the same household or near your partner, distance alone can increase your levels of stress
Because you are physically, mentally, and emotionally not as close to your partner, you might not get enough of the feel-good or “happy hormones”: dopamine and serotonin. Both affect your gut health.
Trust
When you’re not residing in the same city and you can’t reach your significant other, your imagination might take over. Are they out with someone else? Are they being unfaithful? Do they still care?
The physical distance between you both influences the development of romantic relationships or the demise of them
Communication
Effective communication enables you both to feel seen and heard. Both people in a couple need to be on board with committing to and maintaining the relationship, especially when miles separate you. It’s a good idea to plan regular times to catch up and share your experiences so you both feel secure in knowing when you’ll connect.
Using texts and Facetime can facilitate more communication and increase the odds that you will stay together. Good morning and good night texts are nice to receive, too.
A long-distance relationship isn’t for everyone
Being in a long-distance relationship can also trigger separation anxiety, which can ultimately lead to feelings of loneliness, anger, jealousy, or alienation. If left unresolved, these self-destructive sentiments can take a toll on your overall well-being and destroy your relationship. According to Couples Coaching, because a long-distance relationship is loaded with uncertainties, you’ll always feel insecure about its future unless you have a well-defined plan for moving it along, such as eventually moving in together. It will be difficult to evaluate the state of your relationship without consistent communication with your partner and mutual understanding of each other’s goals
Be sure to also take care of your own needs and have an open mind. Safeguarding your mental health while participating in a long-distance dating relationship or a long-distance marriage is crucial.
BY: AISHA KAMRAN
