From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihnp4!ixn5c!inuxc!pur-ee!CSvax:cak
Newsgroups: net.singles
Title: Re: Long-distnce relationship
Article-I.D.: purdue.465
Posted: Sat Nov 20 13:49:47 1982
Received: Sun Nov 21 03:28:22 1982
References: mitccc.191

It has been my experience that there is a dichotomy in long-distance
relationships; I've been involved in both, so I'll pass along my observations.

The first type is open-ended. You're involved with this person X miles
away, you get together every once in a while, but have no idea when
you will be able to get together on a more frequent basis. (e.g. you're
working for your Ph.D. and the other person has a career -- how much
more open-ended can you get?)

The second type has a finite duration; you're at school and the other
person has a career, but you know you'll be out in May, headed for
the same place. Or the other person is overseas for a year, but
the return date is fixed. Whatever.

It's my considered opinion that the first type almost never works; there
are too many temptations, distractions, whatever, at each end. If there's
really no fixed date for the ending, it's just tough to make it work (esp
if you're just starting out).

The second type is not too hard to live with. It's lonely, yes, but phone
calls, letters and occasional visits help a lot, and you know that it's
going to be over soon.

There are, of course, situations that fall into the gray area between
these two types; but not too many.

So, I'd suggest that you talk it over with your lady at RPI, and decide
where you're both headed, and for how long...

Cheers,
chris