Many people crave proximity and physical bonding. Hours and miles apart can put a strain on long-distance relationships. These types of relationships can be trying and require effort from those involved. You may be wondering why long-distance relationships don’t work for some people. There is no magic formula, but healthy communication approaches can be a start.

Expectations and circumstances can drive couples apart. An ample percentage of long-distance relationships that fail lack certain factors thoroughly discussed in today’s article. The ability to tackle the issues discussed in this article is one of the signs your long-distance relationship is working. Discussed, are 10 reasons why long-distance relationships don’t work for everyone.

Accumulating Travel Expenses 

In some situations, money can cause a strain in a long-distance relationship, whether you are having to drive miles or take flights to see your partner.

Expenses, such as hotel stays, dates, and other expenditures, can add up during your trips. When one or both partners are not financially stable, it can drive you apart. Seeing one another can become more difficult due to finances.

Constant Negative Thoughts

Focusing on the negative aspects of a long-distance relationship can make you question your relationship’s worth. This can lead you to a sad place. The negativity can also diminish the bond you form with your partner.

The relationship will slowly lose value in your eyes with time, and you may no longer feel like fighting for it. With a negative mindset, the reasons for continuing your relationship will no longer hold weight, contributing to the possible downfall of the relationship.

Ignoring Your Current Long Distance Relationship Woes

Challenges can arise in relationships and the way you handle them can determine the longevity of your relationship. Some people prefer ignoring their relationship problems, which creates a snowball effect of recurring issues in the relationship. Addressing and handling each disagreement eliminates repeated damaging patterns in the relationship.

physical intimacy in LDR

Lack of Physical Intimacy in Long-Distance Relationships

When physical intimacy is nonexistent, it can frustrate one or both of you. While there is a lot you can do with your partner with technology these days, the lack of physical attachment can discourage some LDRs.

A published research study analyzed physical intimacy in long-distance relationships with access to technology. The research discovered through their findings that establishing sexual intimacy in LDRs poses challenges, even with access to technology. The emotional connection may be present, but some people crave physical intimacy. Although your conversations can reinforce the emotional bond you have with one another, sex is an important aspect of many relationships. 

No Support from Family and Friends

Long-distance relationships are already difficult to navigate but hearing unfavorable opinions from family/friends regarding your relationship can make it much more difficult.

Family approval can mean a lot for different individuals. With the support from family, you may feel at ease with your relationship. Conflicting thoughts can arise concerning your relationship when your family/friends are unaccepting or discouraging. 

No Timeframe for Ending the Long-Distance Relationship

LDRs can also fail due to the uncertainty behind an end date. Many people hold on to hope knowing there is something to look forward to. When you don’t set a timeframe, it can leave one or the other person constantly wondering about the direction of your relationship.

Some people might feel life is passing them by and worry the long distance may never end. Setting a timeframe to end your long-distance gives you and your partner something to envision and work towards.

One-Sided Long-Distance Relationships

Long-distance relationships can become unbearable when one refuses to put in the effort, energy, and time to make it work. You may feel extremely alone.

There will be no reciprocity in your relationship, and you can eventually become mentally and emotionally exhausted because of the lack of support from your long-distance relationship (LDR) partner. One-sided relationships can lead to meaningless connections, which can disintegrate your relationship.

overthinking can destroy long-distance relationships

Overanalyzing & Overthinking

When you are not able to speak to someone face-to-face, it can create moments where you get hyper-focused on irrelevant details, which can create disagreements in the relationship. This can be a result of miscommunication or the lack of trust in your partner, which can both be a detriment to your relationship.

Oftentimes, overthinking can lead to negative assumptions, which can create doubts in your relationship. In the process, you lose sight of not only who you are, but also the partnership you are forming in your relationship.

Oversharing Details About Your Life

Ever talked to someone for so long that you start talking about extremely personal elements of your life to avoid the silence? We all have a safe space and some components of what forms that safe space are enclosed within our experiences.

In a long-distance relationship, oversharing can be a way to overcompensate for the distance. It is okay, to be frank, and honest with your partner but losing yourself within your relationship can become detrimental to the relationship.

timezone differences in long-distance relationships

Time Zone Differences

Communication is important in any relationship but maintaining communication in a long-distance relationship is key. When time zones are different, it can become difficult to get in sync with one another. 

A timezone difference can make it difficult to communicate as often as you would want to. In this case, you and/or your partner will have to make sacrifices to sustain the relationship. You either have to go to bed late or wake up early.