Read this before deciding to be in a long distance relationship

Many people agree to be in a long distance relationship with others on a whim, without much forethought. When making the decision, they do not consider many important factors. Down the line, they realize that long distance relationships were never for them, especially with that other person. Before you take the plunge and agree to go the distance, there are a few important elements to consider.

1. Are you committed to the other person? If you still like to go to Splash Video Dance Bar on Saturday nights and pick up a new girl each time, then a long distance relationship is not for you. If you have been in a relationship with your significant other for a while, such as 3 months to a year, then a long distance relationship could be for you. Long distance relationships do not work for couples who are not completely committed because they easily stray.
2. Do you see a future with your significant other? Long distance relationships work best when people are in a relationship with the person they consider to be "The One". If you cannot see a long lasting future with your significant other, you will not take the long distance relationship seriously. You will begin to resent your partner for holding you back from finding your true love. The LDR will not be worth it for you.
3. How much do you value sexual contact? Does your relationship revolve around having sex every day, maybe multiple times a day? Do you have a connection to your partner that is more than physical? If you are not content with just talking to your partner for 75% of your relationship, then long distance relationships will not work for you. If you would be willing to sacrifice sexual and physical contact to continue to have your partner in your life, you will be able to make your long distance relationship a success.
4. Do you and your partner have enough money? Long distance relationship get very expensive. Travel costs are constantly on the rise, not even counting what you and your beloved will spend during your visit on food and entertainment. A night out on the town, such as a dinner at Mosaic Restaurant and movie at Camera, comes out to at least $75 for two people. You and your honey still need to eat three meals a day. When calculated, the average comes out to $300 for one weekend, sometimes more if you have extra special plans.
5. Do you have time and are willing to travel? It would not be considered a long distance relationship if you and your sweetheart lived nearby. Couples in long distance relationship must be willing to sacrifice between 1 and 20 hours to travel to spend time with one another. After spending so much time travelling, you and your partner may only be able to spend only a few days together.

Deciding to be in a long distance relationship is a serious committment that should not be taken lightly. If you jump into the relationship without much consideration, you could have wasted hours and days of your time and thousands of dollars before realizing a little too late that long distance relationships are just not for you.