After writing an article about long distance relationships in the past, my significant other and I were bombarded with invasive questions that we’ve since learned are commonly asked to others in the same situation. So, to the friends, relatives and acquaintances of those in long distance relationships, maybe just think before you speak, please? Oh, and if you have asked any of these questions in the past, don’t do it again.
“How do you guys even do [long distance]?”
Okay, I understand that long distance relationships may seem daunting, but once you find the right person, it becomes bearable. It’s all a matter of trust, honesty and open communication. We also have to save up from time to time to be able to see each other, but when we finally do, every moment is special and the little things that regular couples may take for granted become even more important to us.
“Do you have someone on the side?”
No, I don’t feel the need to have someone on the side, especially when I know that my current partner has much more to offer despite the fact that they’re a thousand miles away. Also, that’s called cheating.
“Would you consider having someone on the side?”
Every relationship is different, some people prefer with non-exclusiveness and others prefer monogamy. I, personally, fall into the latter group. I’m not considering having someone on the side because then I’d be a cheater.
“But like, how can you be sure they’re not cheating on you?”
How can anyone be sure their partner isn’t cheating on them? You can’t, you have to have a trusting relationship with open communication. This goes for any type of couple; in a genuinely healthy relationship, nobody should feel the need to cheat.
“Is it reaaally worth it?”
If I didn’t think it was worth it I would have ended things a long time ago, trust me. Finally seeing the one person you’ve been waiting to see for months on end is honestly one of the best feelings in the world. Besides, when you’re not together, you learn to appreciate time alone (and the fact that you don’t feel the need to shave).
“Do you guys get bored with each other?”
Not at all! There’s always plenty to talk about because of the fact that we don’t see each other every second of the day, it’s like every conversation is a chance to catch up.
“How do you guys get… you know, intimate?”
That’s none of your business and the fact that you’d even ask that when I’ve had maybe three entire conversations with you at most is more than a little rude.
“Long Distance never works”
It’s working for me. To be completely honest, I feel like my relationship seems to be working out better than a lot of the relationships in which people see each other every day.
“Don’t you want someone you can touch?”
I can touch them, just not as often as I’d like.
“Have you considered an open relationship?”
Again, none of your business.
“I knew someone who was in a long distance relationship once, it didn’t work out.”
Relationships end for different reasons, all I know is mine hasn’t and so far it’s doesn’t seem like it’s going to.
The questions above were actual questions that have been asked to my significant other and me, and they are the type of questions that can make any conversation go from friendly to defensive in a matter of seconds. So, now that you know which questions to stay away from, go forth and ask us anything else! We love talking about our relationship just as much as the next love-sick fool.
