Is long distance matchmaker dating possible?
To decide if long distance relationships are something worth considering, the following matchmaker tips offer some advice.
€ How far apart do you currently live?
If the distance is from Pretoria to Johannesburg for instance, the distance doesn't have to be impossible to handle. You may not get to see your matchmaker honey every single day, but on weekends and other times you can both travel, you will be able to spend time together. You could even plan dates in a central area such as Centurion for example. If your love interest is in another country, it may be a lot harder to see them often. Is once or twice a year enough to keep your relationship going? If it is a short term separation, that may be one thing. But unless one of you decides to bridge the distance gap, it could be difficult on both sides.
€ Are either of you willing to relocate?
Obviously this isn't realistic during the early stages of your relationship. If things progress however, and you are both in love, you may want to discuss relocation. This in itself can be stressful, with one person having to root up their current lives and leave family and friends behind. Choosing a new destination is a good compromise, but this also causes pressure. If your relationship is strong enough to withstand the challenges, this option could have a happy ending for both of you.
€ Is trust an issue on either side?
One thing that we don't like to think about (but lie awake worrying about at night) is the trust factor. If you are not completely sure that your long distance matchmaker sweetheart is faithful when you are not around, which could be a lot of the time, then it may not be worth the heartache at all. The best way to approach this issue is to be open and honest with each other, and keep lines of communication open. Don't make any assumptions without some sort of evidence or signs, and don't feel tempted to hook up with someone in retaliation for your €hunch' that your partner is doing the same.
€ How well do you communicate?
On the topic of communication, how well do you communicate with your partner? Do you use chat programs, Skype, emails, phone calls, text messages, video calling and old fashioned letters to keep in touch each day? If you speak on a regular basis, then it can make the long distance issue easier. If however you do not have much communication at all, you may need to reconsider whether you should be meeting matchmaker singles who are a big part of your life, and take time to keep in touch at all the time.