Let me start the friendly debate! Which has a better chance of lasting? Which is better?
Well, as with everything relating to couples, two of the most important factors are the people involved in the relationship. It takes a real commitment from both individuals in order to make it work! A long distance relationship, or LDR, might be well-suited for some and not others. But, the same goes for a conventional relationship. After acknowledging that… Both types of relationships do have their perks and pitfalls.
One of the obvious advantages that a conventional relationship has over a LDR is the fact that you get that physical touch. You can simply go over to your sweet thang’s place and kiss and cuddle up. If the couple is at this stage, they can even have some quality sexy time! Now, within a LDR, you cannot sex anyone up, cuddle, or kiss. However, there are things that the two of you can do, as a substitute, until you are in each other’s presence again. One thing that you can do is get on Skype together. You can see each other in real-time video as if you were really face to face. It is the next best thing to being there! Another thing that the two of you can do is phone sex. Phone sex is simply talking dirty to each other over the phone while you masturbate yourselves. Now some might be resistant to this initially. Especially, if she or he has never done it. Think about it… Both of you are adults and both of you have sexual needs and desires that are probably taken care of through self masturbation. The ONLY difference between masturbation and phone sex is the fact that, in phone sex, your loved one helps you with suggestive, erotic talk.
Now an advantage, that a LDR has over a conventional relationship, is the fact that you are forced to talk to each other! That is the ONLY way that you can communicate. This is good because the more that both of you talk, the more that you will find out about each other. It encourages more thoughtful conversations and in-depth discussions. This creates a deeper sense of emotional intimacy. You could possibly talk a lot in a conventional relationship but, since there is also non-verbal communication, it is not likely. Some of those lengthy conversations will be replaced with hugs and kisses, or movie watching, or body language. In conventional relationships, many different activities can take the place of meaningful conversation.
Another difference between a LDR and a conventional relationship is that, within a LDR, all of the intangibles like personality, goals, morals, beliefs, and intellect become who you fall for as opposed to a body or look. Yes, you generally know and appreciate your partner’s appearance but you don’t have a chance to focus on it. Plus, there is a difference, however slight, from a picture or video and having them in the flesh. With a conventional relationship, it is usually the opposite. Since we are visual people, of course our mates appearance is in the forefront every time that they come over or we go out. All of the intangibles, in this case, become more secondary. Mainly for the fact that we don’t get to see those intangibles because, in person, there are other things to do besides talk.
People involved in relationships decide the outcome of that relationship. With either long distance relationships or conventional relationships, it takes a lot of commitment in order to make things work. Both types of relationships have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the individuals involved, one might be a better option than the other. Choose WISELY!
He DID It, She DID It 