There are at least two ways to view a long distance relationship.
The first one is, to view it as a way to see or to prove how strong the relationship is. People of this school believe that through a chapter of long distance relationship, the solidity of the relationship will surface. If the relationship breaks apart during the process (more to 'process' later), then it may be interpreted as not standing the test of time. If the relationship is sustained for a long period, the relationship may be seen as successful and as a 'true thing'
The second school which has, according to my knowledge, far less followers, are people who think that a relationship that is strong, in the first place would not let a long distance relationship happen. Reason is, that if the relationship is a strong and serious one, why would one let other matters which led to the long distance relationship, precede in the first place? Especially romantics think, that nothing should come in the way of being physically together at one geographical location.
The above mentioned are extremes. However if we take a look at our own experiences with LDR (Long Distance Relationships), as well as other people's experiences, we will see that more often than less, one of the two above reasons are being used in arguments. These arguments can be anything from controlled calm discussions regarding the 'next steps', up to heated debates about the possibly upcoming LDR.
I cannot advocate for solely one of the above approaches. The reason is, because different people have different principles and expectations of relationship in general. There actually are peoples or couples who can endure the toll that an LDR takes on the relationship. Or even better said, there are couples in an LDR, who are not negatively impacted by the LDR. While for others this may seem totally unreasonable and beyond social conventions, for some it is as good as the close-proximity relation. These people live their lives independently in different locations, while maintaining communication from heart-to-heart or maybe even on a telepathic level. On the other hand, there are people who cannot bear the thought of even parting for one week. For these people, anxiety takes over, loneliness, as soon as the partner gets to far away. Physical apartness here almost equals (involuntarily) emotional distance.
What I can say for sure is, that a Long Distance Relationship, the prospect of, and even discussion about, reveals cubicmeters of the material of a relationship. Or differently put, it reveals important characters of each person in the relationship. Different than when analysing an indivual's character, a discussion about Long Distance Relationships exposes both sides in relation to each other. It becomes apparent how much each partner endures and can live solitary. In how far the two people are emotionally dependent on another. What each expects from the other partner - expectation in regards to sacrificing for the sake of togetherness.
Back to the earlier mentioned point on 'process'. If there is a mention or thought of an LDR being a 'process', I believe it is a very good start altogether. Being regarded as 'process', indicates that the LDR is working/being driven towards the goal, which unanimously would be togetherness.
I could go on and on and on...
Maybe you can let me know from your experiences/friends' experiences, what you think that LDR, or the prospect/discussion of it, can reveal of both people in a partnership......
