Issue Date: November 1, 2009
Hope for long-distance love
Technology can bridge the gap for separated lovebirds.
My boyfriend is going to transfer to a school across the country. In the past, you haven't been a big believer in long-distance relationships, but do you think that, with all the "face-to-face" technology available, it could work?
D.P., Virginia
With all the face-to-face technology available, can a long-distance relationship work?
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Inexpensive face-to-face technology, such as webcams (you can get a good one for less than $100) and Skype (an Internet phone/video chat service), can give a huge boost to long-distance relationships. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter also let your loved one tune in and get a sense of current friends and events.
I spoke with Geek Squad's Matt Sanchez about other ways people stay connected. In addition to daily blogging, instant messaging and Internet phones (which let you call from anywhere to anyone at ridiculously low rates), there are fun ways to interact, such as playing online board games and sending free e-cards. Sanchez also suggests that technology makes visitation easier: Cheap-flight e-mail alerts can net you some incredible deals, and GPS devices make sure your road trip goes smoothly.
But can a long-distance relationship work just because you can see and hear each other as often as your schedules allow? The answer is yes -- if you had an established, committed relationship before the distance came between you. I'm not convinced that brand-new relationships can survive without real face time. During the first three or four months, you're getting to know each other (kissing, cuddling, exploring how well you get along together). These are key factors in whether a relationship will last.
So give it a shot, but only if you both feel you can trust the other to be honest about what's going on beyond the computer.
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