Long Distance Relationships – Absence Makes the Founding Heart Grow

When considering whether or not their long-distance relationship will work out, many people wonder if the old adage is true: “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

Or is it more accurately “out of sight, out of mind”? The answer to that question usually lies within the heart of each partner.

First, consider how your partner acts when you talk, whether it’s on the phone, on Skype or Facebook, or even in person. Do they tell you that they miss you? Do they act like they are happy to talk to you or do they treat you like a burden? Obviously, in a relationship, you want to choose the person who believes in “absence makes the heart grow”. If he acts like it’s the best part of his day to talk to you, chances are he’s a keeper and the long distance relationship can be healthy and successful.

In this situation, it’s good to consider the lesson we can learn from the average family dog. (Well, most of them anyway.) Isn’t it cool how when you walk in the door after a long hard day, the dog wags his tail uncontrollably, jumps on you for attention, and basically acts like he hasn’t seen you in a long time?

A couple who lives by the adage ‘absence makes the heart grow fond’ will be like this… only with less barking and less face licking. Your partner should make you a priority, and when you are in contact, they should treat you as if your presence is the best thing that has happened to them in a long time.

Also, try to get a sense of how your partner acts when you’re not around. In a long-distance relationship, this can be difficult, but if you get a chance to take a look at their Facebook or Twitter account, or maybe talk to their friends or family, you should be able to figure out what’s going on. If they seem to be chasing other partners, are overly flirtatious, or just can’t seem to remember that they have a partner in their daily activities, they may be the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ type.

Remember that staying in someone’s heart and making them warm to you takes work! Send them letters (in the old snail mail), emails, text messages, and phone calls or voice messages. Obviously, don’t overdo it, but it never hurts to say you’re thinking of them or can’t wait to talk to them or see them again.