Long-distance doesn't have to be a dealbreaker

Delaine from A Divorced Woman's blog poses the question about the viability of long-distance relationships in the long-term. In it she ponders how possible it is to overcome geographical distance in order to make a relationship work.

Honestly, it is equal parts planning and determination. I have known several people, myself included, who have traveled to close the distance in a long-distance relationship: three who have even moved to entirely different countries! When posed with the question, "How far would you travel to be with your soulmate?", many people would most likely say any distance.

First, the determination is necessary. Are both you and your lover willing to make compromises to make things work and be together? Are you both on the same page where future plans are concerned? It is extremely important that your level of dedication matches your partner's- or everything will fall apart in the end.

Secondly, planning is also very necessary. If moving to another country, what are the requirements of that country? Do you have the financial means to move and support yourself? Do you have dependents (children, elderly parents, etc) who will need to be accommodated? Are you both aware of, and reasonably prepared for, the changes ahead? Both people need to be realistic and in agreement with the planning, and it needs to be executed well, or the complications will put an immense amount of undue stress on both people.

Yes, things in long-distance relationships can be difficult, and extended visits are necessary to ensure that you can handle each other for longer than a brief encounter. However, it all boils down to one question: how far are you willing to travel to be with your soulmate? This is a question that can only be answered by every individual person, and the answer tells how well a long-distance relationship would work.