The Ideal Relationship: Long Distance Dating Dilemmas

It's a question answered by anyone who's ever looked at an online dating website for a relationship: long distance or no distance? For many, the answer isn't readily apparent. After all, many of us are only at the beginning of digging in our own backyards for Mr. or Mrs. Right! But think for a moment: who says that everlasting love has geographical limits?

Think back to everywhere you lived when you've been in a relationship. Long distance or not, you found someone there that tickled your fancy, made you laugh and had that "thing" that kept you coming back for more. It had nothing to do with where you lived. It had to do with who YOU are and who THAT person was. Granted, seeing them might have been easier since they lived a few blocks or miles away, but when you take geography out of the equation, you'll have to go through a few checkpoints to determine if a long distance relationship is right for you.

Long Distance Relationship Question #1: Travel
Can you get time off? Do you want to take time off? If you can get it and want to take it, do you want to spend it going to visit someone? For some, "long distance" is driving 30 minutes to cross from Denver into Boulder, Colorado. For others, it means hopping on a plane or driving a few hours to get into someone's arms. Gas and airfare cost money, time off takes time. Think before you spend!

Long Distance Relationship Question #2: Trust
You're here. They're there. It takes a lot to trust someone, especially early in a relationship. Don't forget that some people are better mice when the cat is always around (and you may be one of them!).

Long Distance Relationship Question #3: Time Frame
You realize that, if this thing works out, one of you will be moving, right? You can't stay away from one another forever! Keep this in mind if you decide to date across state lines. Many professions are difficult to relocate while others are much easier.