When external or internal forces are destined to keep you apart, how do you deal?
So, unfortunately, there is no universal advice that will make this sucky situation feel better right away.
Prioritize your own needs and make the choice that best supports your long-term happiness.
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Maybe they live on the other side of the country.
Or perhaps youve just exited a serious long-term relationship and arent ready to date yet.
It also helps to consider the factors that might be standing in your way.
Bonnie Scott, LPC
What could make this the right time for this relationship?
In other instances, there might be forces outside of your control working against you.
The following factors might make someone seem like the right person at the wrong time.
Research has found that couples involved inlong-distance relationshipsare more likely to separate than those who live near one another.
Living far apart means you have fewer opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
Busy schedules, time zone differences, and technological barriers can also hamper communication.
So, you might feel torn between your romantic feelings and personal obligations.
Societal norms about when we should achieve certain life milestones can also interfere with relationships.
This might be because you are not emotionally ready for a long-term relationship.
In other cases, it might stem from unresolved issues or traumas from your past.
Your Goals Are Out of Sync
Conflicting goals can also put a damper on a potential relationship.
They want a large family, but youdon’t want to have kids.
You want to spend money on traveling the globe while they want to save for their future retirement.
You might think that eventually, you’ll meet again and be able to make it work.
Or you might find yourself questioning what might have happened if youd done things differently.
These feelings can linger for long after the potential for a relationship has passed.
And while the common “What if?”
question still lingers, De Los Santos suggests she did what was right for her.
Meeting your dream partner only to be held back by personal or situational variables can be confusing.
Your feelings might range from hopeful to heartbroken.
This means looking at the trajectory you imagine for your life.
Spend time thinking about what’s important to you.
Krapf S.Moving in or breaking up?
The role of distance in the development of romantic relationships.Eur J Popul.
2015;41(3):325-338. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2014.915901
