When to avoid a long-distance relationship
The idea of a long-distance can seem appealing to most women, especially if they’re career-oriented with busy schedules. After all, who wouldn’t want their weekday evenings free to focus on career stuff, while getting to hang out with their SO on the weekends or just once or twice a month? But, in fact, a common misconception about long-term relationships is that they require less effort.
It takes a special person to be able to maintain a long distance relationship. Here are eight signs you might not be meant for one:
1. You’re a bad communicator
Long distance relationships need strong communication to stay alive. This means talking on the phone, texting, and Skyping with your SO almost every day. If you’re naturally bad at communicating, then a long distance relationship isn’t going to work for you.
2. You have trust issues
Trust is key when it comes to a successful long distance relationship. This is because you’re unable to physically hang out with your SO whenever you want. If you have trust or jealously issues, the fact that you’re not able to keep tabs on your SO regularly might be hard for you to deal with.
3. You don’t plan for the future
Many couples in long distance relationships have to plan in advance when they’re going to visit each other. This requires booking tickets and taking off work. But if you’re the type of person who lives in the now rather than planning for the future, then this means a long distance relationship isn’t likely going to work out.
4. You’re a commitment phobe
The goal of couples in most long distance relationships is to eventually move in together or live near each other. This requires not only making a commitment but also compromises and sacrifices. If you’re a commitment-phobe, then your long distance relationship isn’t going to last.
5. You need physical intimacy often
The downside of being in a long distance relationship is that you aren’t able to be physically intimate with your SO on a frequent basis. This can be a dealbreaker if you have a high sex drive. The lack of physical intimacy might tempt you to cheat.
6. You’re super busy
Long distance relationships require a lot of regular communication. This means blocking out chunks of time to talk with your SO. If you’re super busy, then a long distance relationship probably isn’t for you.
7. You don’t have extra money
No one ever talks about how expensive it is to maintain a long distance relationship, especially if your SO lives in another country. The cost of travel and taking time off from work can add up. If you’re low on cash, then a long distance relationship isn’t meant for you.
8. You hate traveling
Long distance relationships require a lot of travel, whether it’s driving, taking a bus or train, or flying. If you’re not a big fan of traveling, then definitely don’t enter into a long distance relationship.
Already in a long distance relationship?
Here are some signs it’s time to end it:
1. You fantasize about other people
If you notice your mind frequently wandering to thinking about other people, then it’s a sign that you might want to end your relationship. This is especially true if you no longer notice any spark.
2. You don’t discuss the future
If you notice your SO doesn’t make future plans with you, this is a red flag that it’s time to move on.
3. Your conversations are shorter
Notice a difference in the length and quality of your conversations? This can be a sign that your long distance relationship is slowly fizzling out.
4. You feel bored
If you flat out feel bored in your long distance relationship, then this is definitely a sign that you should end things.
Sometimes it’s just better to stay local
Contrary to popular belief, long distance relationships require a lot of trust, commitment, time, and effort. Because of this, many women aren’t suited for one. If you’re thinking about entering into a long distance relationship, you should think again. And if you’re already in one, you should look for, and respond to, red flags. Whatever you decide, be prepared to handle the many downsides of a long distance relationship.
References
- “12 Signs Your Long Distance Relationship Isn’t Going to Work,” Cosmopolitan, December 28, 2016.
- “6 Signs You Need to Get Out of Your Long Distance Relationship,” Thought Catalog, May 11, 2017.
- “10 Signs It’s Time to End Your Long Distance Relationship,” LDR Magazine, n.d.
- “Long Distance Relationship: Pros and Cons,” Huffington Post, June 2, 2016.
