Long Distance Relationships!

Dear Michelle Valentine,
Last year I met a great guy at Cocoa Beach, and we've been dating ever since. The problem is, he lives in Atlanta, and we only see each other but once a month. Does our relationship have a chance?

Dee, Orlando

Dear Dee,
The same factors that make this long-distance relationship exciting also make it hazardous. It can be easy to think it's a great relationship, because you don't spend consistent, quality time together. . . when you both have only a weekend to spend together, both of you are on your best behavior. It is easy to hide the not-so-terrific sides of your personalities for 72 hours. As a result, you never see each other under pressure, facing a life crisis, or feeling "out of sorts". Long-distance couples have a tendency to avoid problem areas in life. Say, you go out to dinner and he says something that truly annoyed you. Rather than confront him (and ruin the special weekend you had looked forward to all month), you will overlook it. In doing so, you will never learn how to solve problems together, and that is the factor that allows relationships to truly blossom. Some things you can do in the meantime involve doing normal things together (like washing clothes, going out with friends, working on a project). Don't try to make every moment "rose-colored special." And you might want to start talking about living arrangements.

Amore till next week