Hi Singles,
We usually have several discussions about this in the threads every year, but I'm bringing it up again because it's already been mildly debated in some of the other threads without a chance for discussion.
Here are some things I'm hoping we can talk about:
1. What, to you, constitutes "long-distance" anyway? For some, it's 30 minutes; for others, halfway around the world isn't a problem. I once had a "long-distance relationship" 90 minutes away, but he didn't have a car or even a license so if we were to spend any time together, I had to go to him. I also once met a guy on a dating site and although we had a great phone conversation, he didn't want to meet because I was an hour away.
2. How many times a week/month/year do you feel you'd need to see someone in order to keep up the relationship? I used to be very open to LDR's but am a bit more guarded now, because relationships take work and if we are never going to see each other, I'd rather just stay friends. I was talking to a great guy in another country a few years ago and he asked about trying to date, but we realized we'd only see each other 1-2 times a year and for me, that was too far apart.
3. I realize this is a subject that is going to have different answers that work for everyone. How important are things money and transportation when considering an LDR? For instance, do you believe there needs to be a way of seeing each other, paying for calls and visits, or are you all right just keeping a relationship through less expensive means, such as internet chatting and Skype? As for me, I feel I would need to be able to see the person on a regular basis.
4. What if one person has no way of contributing towards the costs and the other one will take on the brunt of the expenses? Once again, different things work for different people. Because I usually wound up paying for most everything in past relationships, I am hoping to meet someone who would be willing to make things a little more equal.
If I met someone online, I admit to liking a little chivalry. I would hope he would offer to meet me first (my days of going to meeting a guy first on his territory are over) because he is looking out for my safety and comfort level. This is just my own personal opinion but as a woman, I feel a little more vulnerable. However, I would surely chip in to pay half the cost.
How about the rest of you? Thoughts, opinions, experiences?
All are welcome.