You know what they say — out of sight, out of mind. But, is it really true? Long-distance relationships have always been a bit controversial. Despite the general belief, the long distance relationship statistics reveal that millions of people are currently in a successful long-distance relationship—or even marriage.
Commuting for work, studying abroad, being stationed on military assignment, living in another state, and online dating have all made long-distance relationships more common and accepted.
If you want to know more about how successful long-distance relationships are, how they function, or you want to find out some tips on how to keep yours alive in 2022, keep reading.
The Top 10 Key Long Distance Relationship Facts and Stats
- When it comes to long distance, statistics show couples live an average of 125 miles apart.
- More than 90% of people living in the UK and Europe have been in a long-distance relationship.
- 10% of married couples started together as a long-distance relationship, marriage statistics indicate.
- The average long-distance relationship ends in 4.5 months.
- The success rate of a long-distance relationship is 58%.
- Long distance relationship statistics indicate that 55% of people are worried that their partner will meet someone else.
- Only 2% of high school relationships survive the long-distance phase.
- On average, long-distance couples have 30-minute-long phone calls.
- Long-distance couples see each other once or twice a month, on average, according to the long distance relationship facts.
- The absence of physical intimacy is the biggest obstacle for 66% of people in a long-distance relationship.
General Long Distance Relationship Statistics for 2022
If you are someone who’s in a long-distance relationship or marriage, the stats below will show you that you aren’t alone and your love has a high chance of succeeding. Even if you’re doubtful about entering one, make sure to read these before you decide.
1. 14 million people in the US in a long-distance relationship.
(Romancoholic)
And this doesn’t include the rest of the world or the other 3.37 million people who are married but share a long-distance relationship. Even though this data might seem scary, it means that even happily married couples can end up in a long-distance relationship and still make it work.
2. There are two main types of long distance relationships: couples who met online and couples who were separated by circumstances.
(Long Distance Diaries)
The first type of long-distance relationship is actually any relationship that starts when people don’t live near each other. They may meet online, through friends, or at some place away from their homes. The second type involves lovers who met traditionally but had to separate due to certain circumstances.
3. When it comes to long distance, statistics show couples live an average of 125 miles apart.
(Brandon Gaille)
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Some couples are separated by thousands of miles, some are separated by just a hundred, but the pain of being away from your loved one is always the same.
4. Around 75% of US college students have been in a long-distance relationship, according to the statistics on long distance relationship.
(Inspiring Tips)
Thanks to the internet and online communication, more couples than ever are in a long-distance relationship. Job transfers, new opportunities, and personal matters are just some of the reasons couples experience this kind of relationship.
5. More than 90% of people living in the UK and Europe have been in a long-distance relationship.
(Mind Body Green)
However, out of the many long-distance relationships in Europe and the UK (91% of the population has been in one), half broke down.
According to the long distance relationship statistics from the UK, the main reason for failing was the lack of progress, as 71% of women and 64% of men claim. The other half, who didn’t break up, claim that resolving arguments quickly was their secret for success.
6. The average long-distance relationship ends in 4.5 months.
(Long Distance Relationship)
Most relationships end. However, long-distance couples are particularly concerned with this. A survey found that couples believe a long-distance relationship lasts 14 months on average.
Be that as it may, these relationships often don’t last more than 5 months. Of course, not all long-distance relationships are doomed, and a lot of them last much longer.
7. Statistics of proximity relationship vs. long distance indicate that some couples are happier in a long-distance relationship.
(Romancoholic)
One survey has revealed that many couples function better when there’s a distance between them. This can be explained by the level of freedom that people in a long-distance relationship have. They have a romantic partner, but also their independence.
8. Long-distance couples see each other once or twice a month, on average, according to the long distance relationship facts.
(Brandon Gaille)
Since visiting each other often isn’t possible for long-distance couples, a great majority of them speak on the phone up to three times a week, on average. Many long-distance couples also write letters to each other.
Long Distance Relationship Facts and Statistics
If you’re in a long-distance relationship — hello, you’re a part of these stats. Now that we got you covered on some general info, let’s go into more detail about aspects such as success rates, frequency, and chances of ever being in a long-distance relationship.
10. The success rate of a long-distance relationship is 58%.
(New York Post)
More than half of them last long enough to turn into something more serious. People who have been in this kind of relationship claim that it has a high chance of succeeding.
11. 35% of students will be in a long-distance relationship in college, statistics indicate.
(Refinery 29)
College is one of the main reasons so many couples are in long-distance relationships. As we’ve already seen, statistics report that up to 75% of college students have been in one at some point in their lives.
12. Only 2% of high school relationships survive the long-distance phase.
(CreditDonkey)
Couples who are separated because of college rarely last longer than the first Thanksgiving. This phenomenon is also known as the “Turkey Dump” because high school couples usually see each other again for the first time at Thanksgiving.
Of those with a high school partner in a long distance relationship, statistics show that most couples break up at this time because they’re ready to explore new things.
13. One-third of long-distance relationships ended within 3 months of the couple moving to the same place.
(Refinery 29)
As shown in the long distance relationship statistics, some studies have discovered that these relationships are more stable than those whose participants are physically closer. However, in some cases, that stability lasts only until they reunite and move to the same place to be together.
14. It’s estimated that 27% of long-distance couples never lived close to each other.
(New York Post)
Studies have revealed that just over a quarter of long-distance relationships actually started off as long distance. As the facts about any long distance relationship show, online dating is a notable contributor to the increase in the number of long-distance relationships.
15. On average, long-distance couples have 30-minute-long phone calls.
(Romancoholic)
Today, long-distance relationships are much easier to maintain with the help of technology. Telling someone that you miss them is only a few clicks away, and staying in touch and nurturing intimacy is not as complicated as it might have been in the past.
Long Distance Marriage Statistics for 2022
After the borders closed unexpectedly due to the pandemic, many people found themselves in long-distance marriages . To make it easier, we found some stats to fill in the gaps and doubts with information on frequency, benefits, and trends when it comes to long-distance marriages.
16. According to the long distance marriage statistics, 2.9% of married couples are in a long-distance relationship.
(Long Distance Relationship)
The main reason married couples find themselves in a long-distance relationship is work. In addition to this, military service is also one of the more frequent reasons for a long-distance relationship, where one or both partners are called to participate in active duty.
17. 10% of married couples started together as a long-distance relationship, marriage statistics indicate.
(Ezine Articles)
Apparently, it’s not impossible for a long-distance relationship to become something long term—and even turn into a marriage. Long-distance relationships can become stronger as time goes by; people just need to work hard at them.
18. A study based on 150 couples revealed that long-distance relationships make people both physically and mentally healthier.
(Long Distance Fun)
The study concluded that partners who don’t see each other every day are less anxious and depressed, and they have a better diet than those who spend all their time together.
As the psychological facts about long distance relationships explain, this happens because distance allows people to be more independent and freely organize their daily activities and social life.
19. More than half of Americans in a long-distance relationship claim that the situation brought them closer to their partner.
(New York Post)
It’s estimated that 55% of US adults feel a deeper connection to their partner from being in a long-distance relationship. A long distance marriage or relationship makes people miss each other more, and it gives them a greater appreciation for the moments they spend together.
20. Around 88% of people in a long-distance relationship say that technology lets them stay close to their partner.
(New York Post)
Naturally, nothing is better than being physically close to the person you love, but technology plays a major role for those sharing a long-distance relationship. For a long distance couple, the marriage statistics report that constant texting and chatting give these partners a greater feeling of closeness.
21. Approximately 24% of internet users have relied on the internet or their email for communication in a long-distance relationship.
(Dating at a Distance)
Social media and video chats have also greatly helped people in long-distance relationships. And even though social media may sometimes be a cause for jealousy, the social media statistics on long distance relationship interactions reveal that it also provides a sense of connection.
22. On average, people in a long-distance relationship send 343 text messages on a weekly basis.
(New York Post)
As we’ve already mentioned, technology and communication are major factors in a successful long-distance relationship.
Chat services and text messages give people the opportunity to express themselves anytime and anywhere, and as the long distance relationship sexting statistics reveal, they make up for the lack of physical closeness.
Given this, don’t be shy — pour yourself a glass of wine and sext your partner!
Long Distance Relationship Statistics and Challenges
All relationships face challenges, and long-distance relationships are no different. However, people who are in love frequently tend to disregard the obvious challenges they will have to face that no ordinary couple even thinks about. Here are the most common ones.
23. The absence of physical intimacy is the biggest obstacle for 66% of people in a long-distance relationship.
(Refinery 29)
Some couples don’t have sex, and that’s fine. However, not being able to share intimacy with your loved one is the greatest challenge long-distance couples face. In addition to this, 31% of surveyed people say they miss sex the most.
24. The chances of cheating reach 25%, based on the long distance relationship cheating statistics.
(PsychCentral)
However, cheating comes in many forms—it’s not just sleeping with another person. An emotional infidelity is also a form of cheating, as well as hiding personal things from a partner and sharing them with someone else.
25. Long distance relationship statistics indicate that 55% of people are worried that their partner will meet someone else.
(New York Post)
In addition to this, 50% also feel lonely, and 43% feel like they are drifting apart from their partner.
26. Long distance relationship facts show that maintaining this kind of relationship is pretty expensive.
(Miss Kyra)
However, spending money on traveling to see your partner isn’t the only costly thing. Not to mention, probably impossible in 2021 with all the travel restrictions.
Phone and electric bills will increase. Sending an occasional surprise gift will also cost you more since it carries courier costs. In addition to sacrificing your bank account, putting in the extra time and effort will seriously test every long-distance relationship.
FAQs
What percentage of long distance relationships work?
(CreditDonkey)
60% of all long-distance relationships work out in the end. Maintaining a long-term relationship is complicated, and not everyone wants to put in extra effort, go through various changes, and compromise.
Do long distance relationships last?
(Long Distance Relationships)
Despite general belief, a long-distance relationship breaking down is no more common than that of a regular one. Long-distance relationships have a 27% chance of leading to a break-up within the first six months, while regular relationships have a 30% likelihood.
Do long distance college relationships work?
(Bustle)
Any long-distance relationship can be successful if it has a good foundation and if the partners trust each other. Additionally, good communication is one of the major elements in making any relationship a success.
How do you keep a long distance relationship strong?
(Life Hack)
Communicate with your partner, but don’t be possessive and don’t suffocate them. Set ground rules that both of you will respect, and be clear about what you expect from each other. Be honest with each other, and trust each other. Visit one another, and plan your time together. Be creative.
Can a long distance relationship work for 3 years?
(Hack Spirit)
A relationship can last a lifetime if the couple is ready to make compromises and sacrifice some things. Strengthen your long-distance relationship by sharing hobbies or having video-call date nights. Send one another gifts and keep the spark alive with sexting, but most importantly, learn how to be alone.
Why is it that long distance relationships don’t work?
(CreditDonkey)
Out of the 40% of long-distance relationships that break down, 70% fail because one of the partners, or both of them, weren’t prepared for change.
The Bottom Line
Every relationship is hard to maintain and needs a lot of work, but long-distance relationships are even harder. Not seeing your partner can make you sad and lonely, but it can also strengthen the bond between you.
We hope that these long distance relationship statistics have proven to you that even though it’s very hard, a long-distance relationship can be a successful one. True love conquers all, and distance will only make your love stronger. Just have lots of patience, trust, and communication.
List of Sources:
- Brandon Gaille
- Bustle
- CreditDonkey
- Dating at a Distance
- Ezine Articles
- Hack Spirit
- Inspiring Tips
- Life Hack
- Long Distance Diaries
- Long Distance Fun
- Long Distance Relationships
- Long Distance Relationship Statistics
- Mind Body Green
- Miss Kyra
- Miss Kyra
- New York Post
- PsychCentral
- Refinery 29
- Romancoholic
