There's never a good time to start a long distance relationship (LDR), according to a social worker, but college may be the worst time of all.
"In a college LDR the biggest problem is contact. You miss out on behavior changes which can adjust drastically depending on your environment," said Kent Usry, licensed clinical social worker.
Catherine Meacham started her long distance relationship in high school. That relationship continues today, with talk of wedding plans.
"You need communication, love, commitment and honesty," said Meacham, a sophomore elementary education major.
Many elements come into play to maintain a long distance relationship, and honesty is the one broken the most, according to Usry. With everything going on at college now, it is hard to remember to call or write your loved one. Soon they fade away when you meet someone new and the trust and honesty are broken, according to Usry.
"No matter how much love you have at the beginning of your relationship, space and time will stretch and break your relationship like a dried rubber band," said Ian Hutchens, a senior criminal justice major.
Hutchens' long distance relationship did not last, because major components in the relation were broken. No long distance relationships can work, according to Hutchens.
Usry said long distance relationships can last, but it depends on how long you were together before one or the other person had to move.
"Lust will not last the time and space trail of a LDR, but true love can and will last forever," Usry said.
Meacham's relationship grew even stronger when time and space tested it.
"During the times when we can't see each other, I learned to love without any physical attraction. I really learned more about my boyfriend's thoughts and plans in life. No movies or pizzas, just letters and phone conversations," Meacham said.
College can be a difficult time to keep a long distance relationship because of all the new factors college brings with it, said Usry.
"College is a time of parties and new friends, streaking and acting a fool. Who has time to call or write a letter everyday in college," said Usry.
Many things that can destroy a long distance relationship, but a few little things can make it shine, according to Meacham.
"It's the quick message left on your phone, or a nice card in the mail that keeps the spark going. It really depends on how hard you want it to work," Meacham said.
"Long distance relationships can work. However, they're extremely difficult and require much love," said Usry.
