The benefits of an LDR (Long Distance Relationship)

Long distance relationships, or in internet abbreviation: LDRs, are probably among the most challenging romantic relationship types. You can meet quite a lot of skepticism from family and friends, especially when you have never actually met each other. What is worse, friends and family often seem to feel more obliged to warn and judge than they would when you're in a regular relationship, some of them might even refuse to take it serious. In addition to the lack of physical contact, the waiting on replies and the eventual meeting, the time differences and (in the event of a break-up) the coldness of a devastating message/mail, you could start to wonder why people would ever agree to try an LDR... Well, love is done with the heart and the heart doesn't make decisions based on logic. ;) However, here are some of the benefits of an LDR as opposed to a regular relationship.

♡ - Communication goes deep from even the initial stage in the relationship, because you are limited in other areas of bonding.
♡ - In order to maintain your relationship, you will have to go beyond the superficial. Whereas the regular couple has a higher risk of making body contact the main factor in their relationship and meanwhile silence deeper communication.
♡ - A controlling lover doesn't last long in an LDR; it is just impossible to control someone else's life from a distance. Therefore LDRs won't get you stranded in a controlling relationship (as easily).
♡ - Physical abuse is also impossible in an LDR. This however is no garantee for when you meet. It is a higher risk to date LDR, but not a higher risk of meeting physically abusive people.
♡ - LDRs require a lot of trust. It can be a real challenge to maintain the bond of trust, but when a healthy base of trust is established, it will be a stronghold in your LDR! Good mutual trust will be the source of strength in the struggle.
♡ - LDRs give you the freedom to spend your days where you want. You are not required to stay at your partners side, meet with them at their workplace or hang out when you want to stay in. LDRs enable you to take them with you to where you are, in the sense that calling or texting them can be done anywhere you go.

I realize there is a big difference between being in an LDR with someone you have met and with someone you have never met in person. The latter brings with them much more doubts and uncertainties, but a good LDR is definitely possible! :)

Remember to always be cautious when you meet someone new and think well before you send them private information or visuals. I recommened to never send anyone naked photos ever! The potential damage is huge and the risk is great, and the advantage is not even for you. (Just a reminder in light of the Tilburg photo leak case, in which students at a school became victims on instagram of their own stupidity...)

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*~Maria