Long Distance?

Long Distance?
 I wasn't too sure where to put this, but I suppose it's about being gay....
Anyway, this is about Long distance relationships. I'm about to embark in one in about a month and I want to hear your opinions about them.
My girlfriend and I have been dating for about a year and three months, I love her. We're both about to go to college she's staying in town and I'm headed off, far far off. I'm making her buy a webcam and download skype so we can see each other but I just don't know if we're cut out for it.
So what are your thoughts? Ever been in one? I would love to hear any and all stories.


Umm...You definately don't want to hear my stories. And I wouldn't say that if I didn't mean it.

But, my take on them- I posted something like this a week or so ago...is that basically it depends on the people involved. If your relationship is strong enough and you're close enough to each other then I'd say at least try. But I question the word "try" -as in a situation like this there has to be no doubt in either party's mind about how they feel about the other. Because a 'lets see' approach might only lead to more hurt. I mean, a year and three months is a pretty long time. It just depends on who's involved. I know theres alot of negative thoughts on the subject that are probably just based on bad experiences. That doesn't mean that would be the case with your relationship. I'd say talk about it honestly and sincerely with her and find out what her thoughts are on this too.

good luck!
I should start off by saying that watcher and I started off long distance. And look at us now! =P We actually were long distance until six months ago. Honestly, I won't say that living apart was easy, but we both feel, now that we're together in person, that it was worth the effort. The hardest part is finding enough quality time. After all, an hour in person does not equal an hour on IM or Skype, lol. Though, we used Skype extensively, it's great! We actually purchased a plan, for like $20, that let us call each other's cell phones (since I was in the US and he was in Canada).

Hrm, the big thing is communication. I truly believe that's the deal maker or breaker. It does, as gladiatorgirl said, depend on the person. If you just can't go without someone physically there, it probably won't work, for instance. I think it helped that watcher and us are more introverted, haha. Oh, and expect arguments! That's normal, in person or at a distance. XD It also may depend on how often you come home from university. Are you going to come home during holidays? That would likely make it easier. I could ramble on and on...but I won't..for now..
Yeah i'm coming home and she's coming up for her spring break, which will be awesome.
Towards the middle of july I was pumped because it seemed like most of my friends were staying together with their sigot ("significant other", but you guys already knew that.) but now that it's August they're dropping like flies! Not that I'm one for peer pressure but it's just kinda, intense.
Sometimes I feel like those people on engaged and underaged, but I have faith in us. Plus we're not buying a house together, which usually on that show translates to "parent's basement."  If this doesn't break us I'm thinking its only going to make us stronger. 
We spent the majority of last summer apart, and we were fine. I think I'm just freaking out because it's coming up so soon.
Thanks for the tidbit about communication Alphy. I think I'm going to have to moderate my passive aggressive silent treatment. Effective tactic if  used in person, thought to be a bad connection over the phone, haha. 

Obviously there is no way that anyone can dismiss this as an impossible arrangement. Many same-sex relationships, for whatever the reason, are permanently long distance.

If there is any kind of general rule that can be applied to same-sex relationship, it is this: There are NO rules.

That being said, I think there are some serious practical issues that you have to address prior to engaging in such an arrangement.

I'd ask myself, "Why am I intent on pursuing an inconvenient arrangement?"
Let's face the facts: Long-distance relationships are inconvenient. You can't see or talk to this person whenever you want. There's limitted physical contact (sexual and nonsexual). What is it about this relationship that makes this worth it? For some people, it is legitimate love, and I would never deny such a motivation. For some people, however, it is pure thrill. Distance can function as a way to keep excitement going, because there is no day-to-day reality to make it mundane or ordinary. The fantasy, the longing, and the romance stay alive.

As many have said, communication is key, but know that no relationship is going to mature solely through e-mail and phone. Physical contact is pretty much necessary (so make a concentrated effort to see each other).

Some other realities you might want to take into account is that long distance relationships are expensive, being physically apart can be lonely and depressing, and there is a threat on both sides of potentially "finding someone else" who's nearby. A huge amount of trust must be established for such a relationship to work out.

This is not, by any means, meant to be negative or some attempt to change your mind. It's meant to be thought provoking. Long distance relationships come with ugly realities that many people choose to ignore. Imagine all the heartache that could be prevented if we were all just honest with ourselves and others.

Otherwise, I only wish the absolute best for you and your relationship. Happiness is a choice that everyone deserves to make, and whatever it is that you believe will make you happy, we all support :D

 

so true! well said, psychboi!
 Wow that was a really interesting and helpful post psychboi. I totally agree with you. It's a tough situation to put yourself into, but I believe it's worth it.
the first guy i ever fell in love with was long distance
it went on for about three years on and off
well idk i guess i cant really say much
we had alot of problems
but not because of distance it was all my fault mostly
but i guess what im trying to say is
if you love some one and truley love them
distance shouldnt be a problem
I was in one once, it was hard, but I'd never met the girl in person before. They're definately difficult, but I think that if you love each other you should at least try. you can't let the distance get in the way if it's what you want and what makes you happy.
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I have not eaten the heart.

I think it helps that you two know each other in person first, and are doing long distance after knowing each other. As opposed to doing the reverse, haha. Hope you two work things out and stick it out. ^^ 
 You guys are really helping. I leave in about four days. My girlfriend is totally calm about me leaving which is really such a security blanket for me. Her faith in us is amazing and so uplifting for me. I had a little breakdown today but I talked to my mom about leaving and she helped a lot too. I'm really ready to leave and I know we can do this. 
Thanks again guys!
I'm currently in an on and off long distance relationship (on and off on the distance, not the relationship), and distance certainly limits things when it's present, but communication cuts down on some of those difficulties.  Overall it's working quite well, though it's still early, only three months, but we love each other, and so both of us are willing to put in the work to keep it together when we're apart.  Bottom line, it's hard, but certainly not impossible.
Very true.. hard but not impossible. 
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"No one has ever said that life is to be easy. Only that it is to be lived." - Grandmother in "The Road to Rankin's Point" by Alistair Macleod

in my experience long distance relationships dont work out but thats just my experience...hopefully you two can make it