Long Distance Relationship Statistics – What You Need to Know

The idea of being in a long distance relationship makes many people uncomfortable. After all, we can all agree that LDRs are hard to maintain and being in one makes you think of the worst all the time. But if this is true, then why do many people do it still? To gain a deeper understanding about long distance relationships, let’s have a look at the numbers. Here are some important long distance relationship statistics you should be aware of!

To be more accurate with the LDR statistics, we have to look at the bigger picture first. We have to consider the total numbers, hence, we need to know how many people in the country are currently in a long-distance relationship.

Approximately 14-15 million individuals in the US identified themselves as being in a long-distance relationship in 2005. Surprisingly, this figure has remained steady with a recent estimate of around 14 million.

Quick Long Distance Relationship Stats

• Around 14 million couples identify themselves as being in a long distance relationship.
• Roughly 3.75 million couples who are married are in a long distance relationship.
• College relationships account for approximately 32.5% of all long distance relationships.
• Three-quarters of engaged couples have experienced a long distance relationship at some stage.
• A small proportion of 2.9% of married couples in the United States are living in a long distance relationship.
• 1 in 10 marriages in the United States began as a long distance relationship.

There are many reasons why some relationships become long distance. For instance, one or both partners may go away for military duty. Sometimes one partner has to be away for extended periods of time due to work.

However, one of the most common reasons people end up in long-distance relationships is because of college. In fact, nearly a third of all people who claim they are in this type of relationship say these are college relationships.

But non-marital relationships are not the only ones going long distance. The number of long distance marriages has also been on the rise in recent years. Regardless of the endless reasons why couples end up in long distance relationships, one thing contributes a lot to keeping them going — the Internet.

Online dating has made many more willing to give a long distance union a chance. Real bonds can be formed through virtual relationships, even if the two people involved are physically far from each other.

Another factor where the internet has helped a lot in LDRs is through strengthening intimate relationships between couples. The rise of technology paved the way for wearable vibrators that can be controlled using an app. All you and your partner have to think about is which wearable remote-controlled vibrator is best for you.

Many believes that long distance relationships are more prone to failure compared to other types of relationships, but this belief lacks supporting evidence. Of course, not all long distance relationships will survive, but they are not any more likely to meet their demise than another kind of relationship. Still, long-distance couples have to make an effort when they want the relationship to last.

For instance, the overwhelming majority of long distance relationships—more than two-thirds end when the couple does not plan for changes in the relationship. A couple that has been together but finds itself apart at some point will need to make some adjustments in order to make the relationship work. This does not mean that any relationship that does not plan for the changes is doomed to failure, but it does suggest long distance couples have more work to do.

Long distance relationships are always expected to be short. Many would think that long distance relationships usually lasts at least a year. However, it’s far from reality. Many LDRs may end after less than 5 if the couple feels it will not work out in the long run. One of the main reasons why this happens is because of the possibility of infidelity and unfaithfulness. However, it is important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that those in long distance relationships are more likely to cheat than others.

Quick LDR Stats

• Long distance relationships tend to last for approximately 4.5 months before breaking down, and around 40% of these relationships ultimately end in a breakup.
• It has been found that 70% of the failed long distance relationships fall apart due to unexpected and unplanned changes in circumstances.

On average, most people in long distance relationships tend to be at least 125 miles apart from each other. They tend to visit each other less than twice a month and call each other at least once every three days. Many couples even still write letters to each other, and on average, this happens about three times a month.

There are also other tactics those in long distance relationships need to take in order to make the relationship work. For instance, a lot of people who are in an LDR, tend to isolate themselves from loved ones as they wait for their partner’s return. This is usually a mistake. Couples in long-distance relationships may have a better chance at making it work if they find a way to lead separate lives and stay optimistic about each other during separation.

That may be difficult, but it’s vital to reach a point of comfort with the reality of their situation. If you’re in a long distance relationship and you’re not prepared for the challenges it can bring, then it may be best to seek help from someone who is. There is help out there for those who are willing to try it, but it’s important to find someone who is familiar with the struggles and may be able to provide suggestions and tips for how to keep your relationship going.

It is also crucial to avoid unpleasant issues in the relationship when finally reunited. It is tempting to try to avoid discussing problems in the relationship when long distance couples are together for a short amount of time. However, it is particularly valuable to see the relationship for what it is and not idealize it in any way. Setting some ground rules for what can and cannot happen in your absence is also vital.

In an email sent to us by Jamie Miller, a relationship expert, couples should put in an effort to have parallel communication. This type of communication allows you to do everyday tasks while talking to your partner simultaneously, as if they were there with you. For example, you can both purchase hands-free phones that will allow you to do cleaning or hit the gym while talking to your partner. This can transform the entire dynamic of a phone conversation and ultimately lead to a much deeper level of intimacy.

If you opt for a cheaper and more subtle form of parallel communication, long distance relationship bracelets will be your best bet. These types of accessories will notify your partner in just a few taps, regardless of your distance from each other.

Furthermore, keeping sexual intimacy alive is just as vital. And although maintaining sexual intimacy seems impossible while being in a long distance relationship, there are ways to spice up the situation you are in. Some ideas to do so is by writing naughty and spicy letters to each other. It may be much easier for those who have webcams or other means of “seeing” each other to act out erotic fantasies or come up with creative ways of staying intimate no matter how far away they are from each other.

Quick LDR Statistics

• 125 miles – the average distance in a long distance relationships
• 1.5 times – the average number of times couples visited each other (per month)
• 3 letters – the average number of letters couples write each other (per month)
• 2.7 days – the average number of days between couples calling each other
• 14 month – the average number of months before couples expect to move back together

Note: Research, statistics, and figures are courtesy of Dr. Guldner at The Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships, a division of JF Milne Publications.

Presented all the statistics and research findings above, have you viewed long-distance relationships differently? Did you feel more secure about your LDR and your partner?

After reading this article about long distance relationship statistics, if you have any comments, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.