Long-distance relationships may have a bad reputation, but the adage “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t necessarily hold true all the time. In fact, Science Daily reports that loving someone from thousands of miles away may create better and stronger relationships compared with those who live in the same city.
Researchers Crystal Jiang from the City University of Hong Kong and Jeffrey Hancock from Cornell University interviewed couples who are either in geographically close or long-distance relationships. The participants were asked to take note of the ways they interacted with each other via landline, SMS, instant messenger, audio and video calls, chat, and email.
The team found that couples in long-distance relationships felt more secure and intimate with each other. This could be explained by the fact that couples who don’t see each other often tend to disclose themselves more and think of their partners in a more idealistic manner.
”People don't have to be so pessimistic about long-distance romance. The long-distance couples try harder than geographically close couples in communicating affection and intimacy, and their efforts do pay back," says Jiang.
While this is wonderful news to couples who don’t see each other as often, it’s important to note that a relationship will only work if you and your partner are committed to each other, whether the you live right next door to one another or continents apart.
(Photo by sanja gjenero via sxc.hu)
