Often the internet is used to maintain a long distance relationship. This can be a way to stay in touch while your partner is on assignment for a few months, or a way to get to know someone before you make the decision for one person to move.
Know up front what the aim of this relationship and your ultimate aim are. Do you hope someday to marry, and that this is a temporary separation? Do not underestimate the fact that by pouring your time and attention into this distant person, you are passing up chances of meeting and being with someone locally. If you expect the distance relationship to last 3 months while your partner is away, and it drags into 2 years because your partner likes the long distance aspect, you will be greatly disappointed.
If you aim is to get to know the person and then move to a relationship where both are together, make sure you both understand this and keep it in mind. If after a year one person is still happy being apart and the other feels like the relationship was a waste because of that, it can be hard to recover.
The key, of course, is to be up front with your expectations and clear in your communications.
This tip was submitted by an anonymous visitor to our website.
