What is LDR Relationship? (Everything You Need to Know)
A long-distance relationship, or LDR, isn’t a new concept, but it is becoming more common. In an LDR, partners live far apart—sometimes hundreds or thousands of miles apart.
Keeping long-distance relationships alive can be extremely challenging because they lack physical intimacy.
And without physical intimacy, one may feel like they’re missing out on the emotional connection that makes love so strong.
Do Long-Distance Relationships Work?
It may seem like a pipe dream to many, but yes, LDR relationships can work like every other romantic relationship if both parties are committed to making it work. One of the main long-distance relationship problems is the lack of effort from both partners.
Successful long-distance relationships are based on mutual commitment and trust. If you or your partner aren’t sure that you want to be in the relationship long-term, then the strain of being apart could cause problems in the long run— possibly even causing your relationship to end prematurely.
Make sure to talk often and openly about what’s going on in your lives. You want to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications that could create problems later.
What is an LDR Relationship?
An LDR relationship is a relationship between people who cannot frequently meet in person due to geographical distance.
It can also be a relationship between two people who have never met but communicate by phone, letter, e-mail, or instant messenger. A long-distance relationship may be temporary or permanent. Either way, it’s never easy.
Most definitions of long-distance love do not represent all the possible variations. Some factors can separate LDR couples other than physical distance. It could be cultural bias, finances, socio-political issues, or other things that could create an emotional distance. Such lovers may be in the same city but cannot meet up because of these factors.
The time difference is also a factor in defining types of relationships. For instance, if you live 2 hours or more away from your partner, you’re in a long-distance relationship, but if you live 30 minutes or less away from your partner, it is not considered a long-distance relationship.
Types of Long Distance Relationships
We usually picture romantic love and distance when we think about long-distance relationships. However, as we discovered in our research, numerous long-distance relationship definitions include familial relationships. As a result, there are four types of long-distance relationships:
1. Temporary Long Distance Relationships
In a distant relationship meaning, a long-distance relationship is temporary when one partner will be traveling for a short period (usually less than 6 months). This situation may result from school commitments or jobs like the military or internships abroad.
The good thing about this type of relationship is that you get a chance to test-drive each other before making any big decisions about where your relationship is going (like getting married or moving in together).
However, one partner may start to feel less important when they’re not around the other as much as they’d like to be (especially if they’re used to seeing their partner every day).
2. Long-Term Long Distance Relationships
A long-term long-distance relationship refers to a romantic relationship where the couple is separated by distance for an extended period, usually more than 6 months.
There are several reasons why this happens. It could be because one party has to move due to the illness or death of a relative back home, work obligations, or because one or both partners want to pursue a different path abroad but are willing to try a long-distance relationship.
Like most life endeavors, long-term LDR has its upsides and downsides. It gives LDR couples an opportunity to develop trust and non-sexual intimacy amongst themselves. It also makes partners more independent.
The disadvantages are that the lack of physical intimacy with your partner can lead to sexual frustration. They may also feel lonely most of the time because of the relationship distance.
To avoid cases like this, you should try as much as possible to talk every day even if it’s just over Skype or facetime.
3. Couples Who Haven’t Met in Person
This remote relationship is common among people who meet online, usually college students who are too far away to meet up often or cannot afford the transportation fees yet.
One advantage of this LDR is that you will get artistic with how you spend some time together despite the distance. For instance, you can create a Zoom date that will give you the luxury to video-chat while you make dinner at your place and sit to eat at the same time with your partner.
However, the most significant disadvantage is that there will be issues of trust in a long-distance relationship like this. It’s not easy to trust someone you’ve never met before.
4. Long-Distance Family Relationships
As earlier mentioned, familial relationships may also be affected by distance. Sometimes, the distance can be a few hours, and long-distance relationship trust issues hardly come up. But regardless of how close or far away you live from your family, it is crucial to maintain contact with them.
One of the reasons people choose to live in another country or state than their family is because they want to pursue their dreams and goals while still being able to help out financially.
On the flip side, you might miss out on many of their life events like birthdays and anniversaries.
How Do Long Distance Relationships Work?
Long-distance relationships, especially transcontinental relationships, can be challenging, but you can make them work in some ways.
Be patient with yourself and your partner. The first few weeks of a long-distance relationship will always be hard, but they get better with time.
You have to accept that it will not feel like a normal relationship right away, especially if your partner is far.
Build anticipation. Make plans to visit each other as often as possible (if money and time permit). Spending time together face-to-face will help build anticipation for your next visit — and motivate you both to remain faithful during those long weeks away from one another.
And if you ever feel too lonely, try getting a sex toy so you’re not tempted to cheat on your partner. Now, I’m not saying that sex toys are a substitute for the real thing but they can help ease up your sexual urges.
Essential Personal Traits for LDR
Being in a long-distance relationship requires you to cultivate relationship-sustaining qualities. With these traits, you and your partner can weather the storms that come with distance.
Patience
In long-distance dating, patience is essential for keeping the passion burning bright. It’s one thing to be patient when you are close; it’s another thing entirely when you are apart. You have to learn how to be patient with the slow pace at which things move and wait for them to catch up with you.
You also need to understand that your partner is still going through the same things as you are; they’re not an expert on long-distance relationships just because they’ve been in one before.
Trust
Trust is the foundation of every relationship, but it’s especially important when you live far apart from your partner.
If you do not trust your partner, you will constantly question their motives and actions. You may even feel as though they are hiding something from you or deceiving you. This will only make things worse because it will cause more arguments between the two of you.
In order to sustain a long-distance relationship, you must be able to trust that your partner has your best interests at heart and that they are acting in accordance with those interests at all times.
Commitment
Commitment is another important trait that will help keep your relationship strong over time. It takes a committed mindset to withstand the difficulties associated with long-distance relationships, especially if there are problems with communication or if one person ends up feeling lonely more often than not.
Having a committed mindset will enable you to handle the ups and downs without giving up on your relationship or getting overly emotional about them.
FAQ
What is a long-distance relationship?
A long-distance relationship means that two partners cannot have in-person interactions due to geographical distance.
What is an LDR couple?
An LDR couple are lovebirds that cannot have face-to-face interactions due to geographical distance.
What is an LDR girlfriend?
An LDR girlfriend is one that’s a part of long-distance dating and hopes to see her partner someday.
What is an LDR boyfriend?
An LDR boyfriend is one that’s a part of a long-distance relationship and hopes to see his girlfriend someday.
What is considered a long-distance relationship?
When a couple or family members are separated by physical distance, parental issues, war, or cultural bias, it is considered a long-distance relationship.
What kills long-distance relationships?
There are many issues that could kill a long-distance relationship but the most prevalent issue is the lack of trust and commitment between both partners.
What percent of long-distance relationships work?
According to a study by Newyork post, long-distance relationships have a 58% success rate.
How far is considered a long-distance relationship?
According to a study, 125 miles is considered an LDR.
Is an hour considered a long-distance relationship?
This is subjective based on your work schedules, traffic jams, and other factors.
Are 2 hours considered a long-distance relationship?
Yes, it’s a long-distance relationship if it takes up to 2 hours to get to your partner’s place.
Are 3 hours considered a long-distance relationship?
If you will have to spend 3 hours on the road to meet your partner, then yes, you’re in a long-distance relationship.
Are 4 hours considered a long-distance relationship?
4 hours difference before you can meet up with your partner is considered a long-distance relationship.
Should I start a long-distance relationship?
Yes, you can start a long-distance relationship. It’s true that it can be challenging but it can build your self-reliance skills.
How long does LDR usually last?
There is no stipulated duration as to how long an LDR can last. It is subjective depending on the parties’ level of trust and commitment.
Can you fall in love with LDR?
Sure you can fall in love with LDR. It’s true that LDR comes with a load of challenges but not without its rewards. A good number of people fall in love with how it spurs them to be independent and resilient.
Should you talk every day in a long-distance relationship?
It’s important that you constantly talk with your partner when you’re in an LDR. However, what works for one may not work for another so you should discuss what’s best for you and your partner.
How do you maintain an LDR?
You can maintain an LDR by being committed, trustworthy, and communicative with your partner.
What is the longest long-distance relationship?
According to a survey, 44 years is the longest.
