By Jennifer Harrington
Relationships are never easy, but long-distance relationships pose their own unique set of challenges. If you have ever been in a long-distance relationship, you definitely know the miles separating you from your sweetheart can eventually place an obstacle in your romance that can be impossible to overcome. What are some signs that it is time to end a long-distance relationship?
You find yourself exploring other options.
If you find yourself checking out other people or having feelings for somebody in your city, this is a clear sign it’s time to end your current relationship. You’re either ready to be single, or to pursue a relationship closer to home.
Related: 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Relationship
He meets a girl in his city.
If your man meets a girl in his city, this is an important sign. She may just be a friend, but having a lady in close proximity to him is going to affect your relationship. It may bring out your jealous streak, or it may make him re-evaluate if he wants a girlfriend who’s available for a spontaneous pizza on a Wednesday night. The same is true if you meet a special someone in your city! Need some celebrity examples to reinforce this example? Look no further than Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott and LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian.
The contact becomes less frequent.
Less contact is a sign of trouble. Be sure to honestly compare the amount of contact you had when you embarked on your long-distance relationship, compared to now. If you used to spend hours on the phone together, and now the relationship is simply a few sporadic text messages, you need to assess what’s going on. It could mean it’s just a busy time, or it could signify that you and your partner are truly living separate lives and there’s not much left to say.
You feel emotionally distant from your partner.
Physical distance is one thing, but emotional distance is a completely different issue. If it’s apparent your partner in California no longer understands (or is no longer interested in) your life in New York, you may be dealing with early warning signs. Also, be weary if you’re unable to get ahold of your partner when you really need them. Being emotionally close to your significant other is essential, and if you feel like that closeness has disappeared, it might be time to move on.
There are no future plans.
Future plans and the thought of spending physical time together is what keeps long-distance relationships alive. If you and your sweetie used to have a calendar full of plans together, and now the calendar is empty, it’s important to recognize this and question what has changed. Of course, there are practical reasons why you aren’t logging tons of frequent flyer miles to see each other (lack of funds, a major deadline at work, etc.). But, it could mean that your partner no longer wants to commit to future plans with you, which means they no longer see a future with you.
There is no end in sight.
Countless couples find themselves separated over a period of time for different reasons. Two lovebirds may have to attend different colleges or one partner may be forced to relocate to a new city to pursue a job opportunity. However, the important thing is for couples to communicate and have a plan to change the situation. If you and your significant other are living apart, and you never discuss when and how you are going to be in the same zip code, it’s time to question your decision to stay together. There’s only so long a romantic relationship can survive based on phone calls and weekend rendezvous.
Related:Â The Key to a Lasting Relationship
There is a lesson to be learned here: long-distance relationships can work, but they can be difficult to manage. Ending a relationship is never easy. It’s important to be honest with yourself and make sure you are truly happy and fulfilled, especially when you’re apart. If you find yourself in a similar situation, be sure to keep these warning signs in mind.
Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship? If so, how have you known when it was time to end it? Share in the comments below.
