You've just received the world's longest phone bill, have another ticket to book and are constantly close to tears for no other reason than you just REALLY miss someone. That sounds like a typical long-distance relationship to me. It's surprising how much people are willing to put up with in the name of love. Money, 13-hour-long journeys, sanity - these things just aren't worthy obstacles for some besotted couples. With the internet, long-distance relationships have become much more common: for couples that find love online, they are often an inevitability. The inconveniences of distance can eventually get to all of us, and in these situations it really helps to focus on the positives. Yes, believe it or not, there are advantages of being in a long-distance relationship. Here are a few:

'Me' Time

If you're constantly with your partner, you can begin to take on each other's identity and sometimes forget who you are without them. The popular expression 'other-half' perfectly demonstrates this. While this is a fantastic sort of intimacy, spending some time on your own dealing with personal issues and fulfilling your own goals can be necessary to your own well-being. With a long-distance relationship you have plenty of time to concentrate on yourself, in whatever way you want. Learn a new instrument, get fit at the gym - spend some of that much needed 'me' time.

Building Other Relationships

The absence of your partner also means that you can spend guilt-free time building the other relationships in your life. Where normally you might feel bad if you spend a night in the pub, or with the girls watching DVDs, this way you don't need to balance your time between your loved ones. You will have far more time to spend with friends and family without having to juggle engagements or compromise. At the end of the day, these relationships should mean just as much as your romantic ones.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

This popular expression really has some truth in it. Although it's nice to have someone around all the time, they do inevitably begin to irritate you slightly. With distance, you tend to always remember the good things about each other. When you do spend time together, you treasure every moment and really appreciate what you have. Counting down the days to your next meeting, the rising feeling you get minutes before you see them and the final glorious reunion - distance is almost worth it just for these sensations.

Every Trip Is an Adventure

Seeing each other for a limited amount of time means that the time you do have becomes very special. Both of you are more adventurous - you plan each other's visits and organise special dates and surprises. The journey to their home is always exciting too - especially if you're getting a plane there. Every trip is like a holiday - full of interesting things to do in a new place and in new surroundings.

Whether you were in Belfast dating and had to move away or you met someone on holiday, whatever your story, don't let a long-distance relationship get you down. Focus on the positives because there are actually quite a few.

©2010 Steve Davis

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