Relationships are built on psychological and physical factors like proximity, closeness, and reciprocity. Physical closeness is an inherent need for humans, and its absence or limitation leads to feelings of loneliness, longing, and frustration. These feelings are often projected onto the partner as a coping mechanism. The strain on a long-distance relationship is influenced by the lack of physical closeness, which affects the release of dopamine and oxytocin. The decrease in these neurochemicals creates stress, longing, and even physical pain.
Long distance in any relationship can be hard, so why do we choose to do it? In our 20s our relationships take on an increased level of seriousness, but at the same time we are also presented with so many wonderful decisions to travel, move new places, try new positions and jobs and figure out what we want from our lives. However, our partners don't always make the same decision. In this episode, we discuss the long distance dilemma - why distance can cause so much friction and conflict, the crucial considerations and signs that your long distance relationship will last, and how to know when its time to call it quits and walk away. We reveal all the psychology behind why long distance relationships work, and why they don't. Listen now.
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