Does Long Distance Always End in a Breakup?

V and I have kept up an international long-distance relationship for more than a year, and we're both people who lack a sense of security. During this time, V and I have actually been living apart for over a year. Even though the time difference isn't big (Australia and Taiwan), long distance across countries is still full of challenges. We've learned a lot from it, and I hope to share what we've learned with other couples who are in, or about to start, an international long-distance relationship.

First, for V and me, the most important thing is to remember that we are each independent individuals. However deeply we love each other, or however much we both want to feel more secure, we have to focus on and improve ourselves first. Don't worry too much and wear yourself down. Even if we long to have the other person by our side all the time, we should still work at becoming strong and pursue our own achievements.

Second, keeping boundaries is super important to V and me. Stay faithful, and turn down any flirting or temptation. We think mutual trust is the most important thing in an international long-distance relationship: be responsible for the trust the other person gives you, and don't test it or break it. Once trust collapses, it's very hard to get it back.

At the same time, sharing our lives also matters a lot to our relationship. We share our lives through video calls, playing games together, studying together and so on (more than 3 times a week!!!). Keeping up little rituals and surprises has also strengthened our emotional bond. Even if we can't be together often, we can create special moments by ordering an Uber online, sending flowers or small gifts, and so on, which makes both of us happier. (Straight guys, I recommend Farfetch… it makes sending small accessories easy)

Long distance doesn't necessarily mean a breakup. As long as both people put in the effort, our love can still grow strong. Of course, we often feel lonely and insecure. But I'm really grateful to V for being willing to let me vent whenever I'm down and sad. I believe that as long as V and I face these challenges together, love has no distance limits <3