We always say "love finds a way", but does that hold true for long-distance relationships? Here are a couple of statistics that I found interesting and help answer that question.

It's more common than you think

In our digitally interconnected world, long-distance relationships (ldrs) have become increasingly common. With over 28 million individuals in the U.S. navigating the challenges of distance, and 75% of engaged couples experiencing separation at some point, it's evident that this trend is a significant aspect of modern romance. As you would imagine, college relationships make up a large segment of the long-distance dating community. A striking 75% of college students have been in a ldr at one point and roughly 35% are actively engaged in a current ldr. It's so much easier to connect with people on the other side of the globe given today's technology and it seems to be reflected in the prevalance of these relationships.

These statistics may make ldrs seem unreasonably common, but it's important to note that the duration and distance of ldrs can greatly vary. Whether it be during summer break in college, directly after graduating, or having to separate over a new job, couples who met/live in the same area often experience a window of long-distance even if for just a couple months.

How do couples connect?

Ever wondered how long-distance couples keep the flame alive? Well, turns out, they've got quite the playbook. About 60% of couples meet face-to-face every month, with the average couple notching 1.5 in-person visits per month. When separated, the phone becomes the most common form of communication. In a week, the average long-distance couple sends a whopping 343 texts and spends an average of 8 hours talking or video calling on the phone.

How far are we talking?

Couples live 125 miles away on average. That's roughly the distance from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which takes about 2hr 30min via car.

How do long-distance relationships fare?

The average long-relationship lasts for 2.86 years. Impressively, 58% result in long-term commitments and 65% claim their relationship emerges stronger from the distance. So, while challenges exist, many couples not only endure but thrive. Upon closing the gap, a large portion of couples (1/3) break up within three months. While this group is the minority, growing apart is a valid concern for couples battling long-distance.

What's the worst part?

In 2014, KIIROO conducted a study among 1000 Americans in ldrs and concluded that the following factors were the biggest issues plaguing long-distance. Please take this list with a grain of salt since KIIRO is an intimacy device company, and thus they may have motivation to present certain findings.

While all of the above are pain points that couples will experience firsthand, certain factors are often the primary reason that ldrs break up. The most common reasons cited for failed ldrs are as follows:

Conclusion

Long-distance is plagued by a variety of issues but couples are by no means alone in this fight. 25% of Americans have battled the distance and won at an impressive rate, often citing these hardships as the reason their relationship is so strong. If you're in a long-distance relationship right now, I wish you the best of luck!

Just the numbers

1. 28+ million people are in a ldr in the U.S.
2. 75% of engaged couples have been long-distance
3. 24.5% of Americans have been in a ldr
4. 75% of college students have been in a ldr
5. 60% of ldr couples see each other once a month
6. The average ldr couple visits each other 1.5 timers per month
7. Ldr couples send 343 texts per week
8. Ldr couples spend 8 hours on phone/video calls per week
9. The average distance between ldr partners is 125 miles
10. That's about a 2hr 30min car ride
11. The average ldr is 2.86 years
12. 58% of ldrs work out long-term
13. 1/3 of ldrs break up within 3 months of reunion
14. 65% of couples feel stronger due to their ldr
15. 66% struggle with lack of intimacy
16. 55% worry that their partner will find somebody else
17. 45% worry over travel expenses
18. 43% worry about growing apart
19. 40% struggle with communication
20. 33% struggle through the time difference
21. 40.2% broke up due to poor communication
22. 28.7% broke up over jealousy
23. 17.5% broke up because of cheating

About Lovedove

Lovedove adds the dates to long-distance dating. Go on 3d interactive video calls like escape rooms, trivia, compatability gameshows, and way more. It's free so it would be awesome if you checked us out.