If you are in a long distance relationship (LDR), you’re probably asking yourself ‘how the fudge is my LDR going to survive the Corona crisis’? Understandable.
An LDR, even under normal circumstances, is a huge challenge with participants experiencing a roller coaster of emotions on a regular basis. Given the current Corona crisis, your LDR is undoubtedly being tested to the limit and it is highly likely that many people are not finding it easy.
The ‘knowing’ of when you next get to see each again is a huge factor in solidifying and holding an LDR together. With stringent travel restrictions in place, that ‘knowing’ has gone out the window potentially leaving the LDR on super-shaky ground.
Some of the questions that are probably swirling through your head right now might be…
- When will I see my partner again?
- Will I still feel the same when I next see them?
- Will I feel awkward when we are next back together?
- What if they find someone else?
- What is the point anymore?
OK….let’s slow it down and call in the perspective police.
Ask yourself this question – what has really changed?
- It’s highly likely that at this stage, the regularity in which you see each other, hasn’t changed that significantly as yet.
- You are still in contact virtually – as always.
- Your life still continues in terms of having to juggle responsibilities such as work, kids, home, bills etc.
- You still have all that love for your partner.
Another question – if your partner worked for NASA and was sent on a space exploration for a year, how would you navigate your relationship then? Chances are, you would cope.
Historically, there have been numerous romantic relationships put to the test and in the end, love has prevailed. Because if you love someone, you stay.
Bottom line: this Corona crisis will come to an end and things will slowly return back to normal. So, weather the storm together and with a bit of hard work, you will get through it and may even emerge stronger and sweeter.
Here are some things you can do to help you survive your extended time apart.
- Use the time to be with yourself and learn more about who you really are. When the time comes to reconnect physically, you will have grown spiritually and emotionally stronger which will undoubtedly positively enhance your relationship.
- Take the time to learn something new. Knowledge is empowering and will offer interesting things to talk about with your partner when you are next together.
- Be grateful for the love you have. Be happy in the knowledge that you have found a special love. LDRs aren’t for the faint hearted so the fact you both stay in the relationship is a testament to the love you share.
- Plan something extra special. With the money that you save not travelling to be with each other, put it towards an extra special trip for the next time you can see each other to create a wonderful memory together.
- Be extra tolerant and compassionate with each other. Understanding will go a long way during these challenging times.
- Always share and communicate how you feel. Never assume you know what the other is thinking, or vice versa. Communication is key to getting through this.
- Drastic situations can often give rise to drastic reactions. You may see your partner in a different light e.g they may be more anxious than usual. Be patient and understanding.
- Increase the contact that you have between each other. More phone calls, more emails and more text messages will make you both feel extra connected and united in the crisis.
People Stay or People Go
Times of crisis can bring up all sorts of emotions, and it may have you rethinking if your partner is the one for you. Chances are, if it ends during this crisis, it was never going to go the full distance anyway so at least now you know that they weren’t the one for you after all.
If you have a solid relationship, with clear end goals and are truly committed to each other, I believe your LDR can survive this. And when you do meet again, it is going to be fabulous!
