Long Distance 2

Cleopatra, elizabeth taylor - Cleopatra, the first tycoon in the history of human kind!The story of Cleopatra and Mark Antony (amongst of other things) is quite possibly one of the most revered and tragic love stories of all time. Through her charm, intellect and beauty, Cleopatra (the last pharaoh of Egypt) was able to seduce Mark Antony, a powerful general from the Roman Republic. In addition to their own love affair, the two leaders formed a political alliance between their territories  that proved to be rather insubstantial. Following a propaganda campaign against Mark Antony from his former partner Octavion, a war was launched that targeted Antony and Cleopatra. In the end, both committed suicide to avoid being captured however, romanticized details of their love story have often overshadowed the tumultuous time in which they lived. One of the biggest details of their relationship that is often overlooked is that it was in fact a long distance relationship. Over 2,000 years later, people are still maintaining long distance relationships…or at least attempting to. But do they truly work? Everyone needs space from time to time but are relationships in which space is a major component realistically sustainable?

It goes without saying that long distance relationships are not for everyone. However, for the brave individuals that are contemplating whether or not they should partake in such a “dating adventure” should definitely consider a few things.

1. Trust

Trust is essential to the success of any relationship. However, to successfully maintain a relationship with distance, one must exude a higher level of trust and security in their significant other and the strength of their relationship to ensure that it is sound. Many fear the idea of long distance because as humans we encounter several forms of temptation that may alter the actions we would typically take. However, if you cannot trust the person that you’re with to do the right thing while they aren’t in your presence, there’s a good chance that you can’t trust them while they are.

 

2.Communication

With added distance comes the added need for communication. It is natural for your boyfriend/girlfriend to need some sense of affirmation and because you are not within each other’s presence, it is something that you will have to communicate. Keep in mind this can be done verbally by remaining in constant contact and reminding each other of your feelings for one another as a  form of assurance or even non-verbally by sending flowers, cards or anything that symbolize that you’re simply thinking of them.

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3. The New Form of Affection

Let’s be honest, a long distance relationship means significantly less sex. But still, we’re humans and we have needs. Of course there’s NOTHING like the real thing, but thanks to technology there are certain ways to help your significant other through these tough times… I’m sure you can use your imagination as to how spice things up a bit.  The sexual anxiety that you’ve built up as a result of being apart may even make your experiences better when you’re together. After all you’re not in the relationship simply for the sex, right?

 

4. Faith & Commitment

Commitment is essential to any relationship whether there is distance or not. Faithfulness is expected. But commitment to a long distance relationship also entails a commitment to maintaining the relationship. It essentially means that you are committed to putting in the work necessary to ensure that things continue to work. And remaining faithful can also refer to a continued belief in the idea that you are doing the right thing by remaining in this relationship. Resting on your faith that you are making a decision that is truly making you happy while committing to ensuring that your relationship is healthy.

5. Time & Expenses

It doesn’t seem logical that anyone would ever enter a long distance relationship that the idea that the distance will be permanent. Until you’re able to be together on a permanent basis, it’s definitely important to make the effort to take the time to visit one another when possible. Additionally, distance doesn’t stop the calendar so holidays and birthdays still require effort even in your absence. But look at it this way, you’re still spending significantly less if you had to pay for dates regularly.

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I have to admit, the idea of long distance relationships was truly something I would never consider in the past. As I’ve matured and realized my lack of the need for instant gratification, I’ve come to believe that given the right circumstances with the ideal person, I would be able to commit to something of that nature. With the understanding that a relationship is about focus on the long-term and not just the present, distance in a relationship can be viewed as a minimal obstacle because if you truly feel as though the person is worth the energy, the hard work and dedication it is something that you will make a priority. So in a sense, not all long term relationships have to end in tragedy. Some end in happily ever after...

 

How do you feel about long distance relationships?

 

-Jordan

 

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