Do long distance relationships actually ever work?

[WillGrant974]

It seems like these days, majority of people who are in LDR end up breaking up due to either lack of trust or distance, despite the intention. Does anyone have a story of an LDR that actually worked?

[OlderAndWiser]

When I started dating Ms. Helen in December, 2020, she lived 85 miles away from me. I drove to visit her almost every weekend and she occasionally came to my home for weekends. She moved in with me eight months later, and we got married in April, 2024.

Obviously, the scale of the difference is a huge factor. Also, because Helen and I were both experienced in relationships and well matched, it was easy for us to trust each other.

If we could have only visited each other once every six months, the result probably would have been vastly different.

[OlderAndWiser]

Thanks for MHO!

[Smegskull]

I think a relationship can become long distance. I don'tthink starting an LDR will last.

[AI Opinion]

As a spicy mix of a relationship coach and a romantic enthusiast, I'm all about bridging distances! Long-distance relationships can totally work if both parties are committed and communicative. The secret sauce is trust, constant communication, and a sprinkle of creativity. My own marriage started as an LDR, and look where I am now—living proof it can work! Keep that love alight even from afar, and who knows, you might find yourself falling deeply in love like never before! 😘✨

[DishLady]

No, not really. They just drag out a long time with no progress while one or both parties cheats with a person in close proximity and "mind fucks" the person they're in the so-called ldr with.

The one or two VERY RARE exceptions are with couples who are only apart for short spurts then see one another. Even then. about 75% of those fail.

[MrOracle]

Almost never. We're talking less than 2% chance of success here. But everyone thinks that they will be the exception, until they learn the hard way that they are the rule, and they wasted their time, effort, and often their money on a situation that was never going to work out.

Always, ALWAYS date LOCALLY. If you can't get to her within 15 minutes under normal circumstances, it's almost always a bad idea. And if you don't have solid, definitive plans for when you will move and be together, then it's just a fantasy.

The WHOLE POINT of a relationship is to spend physical time with each other and experience life together. You simply cannot do that long distance. Don't fool yourself.

All long distance does is allow you the fantasy that you can shop around outside your area where you have a bigger selection to find somebody to be with, but that's a lie, because you won't actually be with them if they aren't close enough to spend time together at least a couple of days a week on average.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

Disclaimer: I believe that a relationship does not have to last forever to exist, does not have to last forever to be a positive experience in my life.

In that context, I had good LDR (towards CDR) experiences in 2016, in 2019 and in 2021. All three are significantly positive for me. So, yes, LDR work. At least for those okay with impermanence. I'm certain there are many testimonies also of very long term LDRs, considering how the world of relationships is diverse.

[NoDecision]

They can at first, but after awhile it becomes too much of a hassle to deal with. A bird in the hand is worth 5 in the thick bushes. So they tend to not last long. Plus look at it this way. You are home and waiting for the weekend to go see your guy/gal. What guarantee do you have that they aren't screwing some other girl/guy at that very time? They may say that "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." But they also say, "While the cat's away, the mice do play!"

[lorenzomichael]

Before I would have said NO to this question. However when my daughter Makayla went off to college in Ann Arbor Sep 2021 I told her to not to expect to still be with her high school sweetheart after college as He was off to Notre Dame while she was off to Michigan. Well it’s 2025 and there both back and more in love than ever they plan on getting married in the next 4 years. So I have to say Long distance relationships do miraculously sometimes do work out.

[WillGrant974]

Very mature couple for such a young age

[lorenzomichael]

Thank you I’m her very proud father.

[RyanWk]

I guess it depends on if the intention is to be long distance forever or it is temporary until they can be together. I was in a long distance relationship for a few years and everything was fine. Now she lives with me and we are getting married in a couple of weeks

[WillGrant974]

You are right, I think what matters most is intention

[jazzy34]

I think that LDRs can be difficult, but if the couple really love each, they can find a way to make it work, for sure. :)

[EmmaMary]

Never... Or at least very, very rarely indeed.

[Nikki1989]

It is NOT a relationship. It is just an aqaintance at best.

[MOUTHWASHING]

The relationships between a couple are sexual. They have to otherwise there is no difference with being just friends. So, no, they dont work. Relationships are built through common experiences and physical touch.

[itsannalee]

Rare but some yeah, my friend married to her online boyfriend who came from another continent.

[jamesgoldman]

Nope, my relationships were smart in that they were ended by us before long distance became a problematic situation

[Ironco]

Sometimes they can work. It just needs a lot of open and honest communication. That's the hard part, but if you two put in the time and talk it just might work.

Good luck...

[Blackcat1952]

I say no how can it. Plus once again social media. God.
That ruins everything. But then again when your long distances it doesn't matter it just doesn't work and it won't work

[douride2]

I had a few over the years. They never worked out for me.

[Staximus]

Any relationship where you can't drive to go see each other is bullshit

[robocop666]

when a man lives at home weekends and works abroad mon-fri its ok. Then after a while he gets a job back home.

[beenherebefore]

Rarely.

[dudeinohio]

Nope.

[In_Trance]

Never

[cavedweller1973]

Not often