One of the doctrines discussed by our teacher in high school Physics 1 is this: The strength of love is inversely proportional to the distance between the lovers. I’ve always remembered that, although I can’t recall what was our lesson that day. I remember this not only because I was wondering why the heck our physics teacher would insert it in a middle of a serious lecture, but also because I actually believe it’s true.
This doctrine dooms long distance relationships. It basically means that love diminishes as the parties stay farther, and it gets worse as the time spent away gets longer.
Of course, you may have a different opinion, or, better still, a contrary experience. Well, good for you and congratulations. I still believe, however, that the doctrine discussed below is the general rule. You’re just lucky to be the exception. There are two reasons why I believe this is true: You and Me. Let’s just say you’re the “me,” while the “you” is anyone that you have a relationship with.
You obviously don’t know what’s going on with me. While you may trust me, you don’t know if the me have met someone that’s more interesting and more comfortable with. You just don’t know if the mouse is playing while the cat is away. You don’t know how the me would deal with being away. You could only close your eyes and hope for the best.
The worst part, however, is the fact that you know yourself. While you believe that distance makes the heart grow fonder, you also know that it’s only to a certain point. That point differs with every person. Different strokes for different folks, you may say.
To put matters in a proper perspective, let’s set out a situation. You’re assigned to a foreign country where you know no one. You’re assigned there for five years and you may be given a vacation once for that 5 years. Before you leave for that assignment, you promise your significant other that you will be faithful and that you will always love him/her. Then after one year of getting in tough through phone, you get lonely. You meet someone that makes you less lonely. You fight the feeling. You’re trying to remain true to your existing love. You’re alone and lonely. You’re miserable. You realize life is short and you could die anytime. What’s the point of waiting for years?
Only you could answer that.
