Space and Time

Long disance relationships all seem to go through a certain natural progression. The first stage involves making the goodbyes and cooking up half-baked plans about the future. The second stage (immediately after the people are apart) involves many affirmations of commitment and resolve. The third is a gradual period of adjustment and emotional dissolution, before the final breakup which by that point is a foregone conclusion.

I think a good rule of thumb about long-distance relationships is this: if the time spent apart will outlast the time you've been together so far, it will probably not work. If it is less, then you've got a shot. For example, if you've been together a few months and one person must go for 6 months, it's big trouble. But if the 6 months apart follows a happy year together, it stands a good chance.

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