Long Distance Relationships
- TeenToTeen
- Sep 8, 2020
- 3 min read
Long distance relationships can be challenging and difficult to navigate. Not a lot of teens talk about long-distance relationships or understand the issues that may arise before they commit to one. Here are some points that can help you better understand these types of relationships and figure out if it’s something that you would consider committing to.
Long distance relationships are actually quite common. While there is no formal study conducted on teenage long-distance relationships, adult long-distance relationships have an average success rate of 58%. Seems like the success of a long-distance relationship can be predicted with a coin flip! Unfortunately, 37% of long-distance relationships end within the first 3 months. Studies reveal that the four-month mark is usually the most challenging time in these relationships. With adults long-distance can be successful, but they can also be very challenging; this can be assumed for teens as well.
Let’s talk about how many teenagers are actually willing or open to being in a long-distance relationship. I polled some high schoolers and found that 96% of them said they would not want to enter a long-distance relationship while in high school. When asked why they wouldn’t engage in a long-distance relationship, there were a few recurring answers. Many of them said that they would find it extremely difficult to trust the other person in the relationship; they said not being with them, in person, would make them feel less secure in their relationship than if they were in the same place. Additionally, several teenagers said that for them, physical contact was one of the most important aspects of a relationship; The absence of it would make it difficult for them to stay committed to the relationship. Lastly, a few of the high schoolers I polled said that they viewed their teenage years as a chance to experiment and learn about relationships, so they felt that being in a long-distance relationship isn’t something they would consider. They felt that they would not be able to experience as much (such as in-person dates, etc.) On the flip side, the 4% of high school students who said they would get into a long-distance relationship. They were currently in love with the person they were dating and would consider long-distance because they wouldn’t want their current relationship to end.
Here’s my take on it; I believe that you shouldn’t close yourself off to the idea of a long-distance relationship completely. Sometimes they work out and who’s to say that yours won’t! However, I do caution you if your long-distance relationship is with someone you have never met in person. You don’t really know who you are talking to and meeting up with them could be potentially dangerous. So I would shy away from that option for your own safety. If you know the person, I would make sure that both of you are committed to the relationship. Long-distance is time-consuming and takes a lot of effort. You’re truly the only person that will be able to know if a long distance relationship is right for you. You should do whatever your heart desires when it comes to your relationships but also do what is best for you. In the long run, you want to make sure that your well being is prioritized and that you aren’t going to be sacrificing friends, experiences, or fun just to cling onto a relationship.
Long-distance relationships are tricky to navigate. Make sure you enter with caution or figure out if it’s better to let go of your significant other. These types of relationships can be extremely difficult, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can definitely work out!
Name: Blair Blackshaw
Editor: Nathalia Ramkissoon
Graphic Designer: Anna Babab
Photographer: India Jones
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