A long-distance relationship is said to take place when the couple is separated by a considerable distance. Such relationships can occur when the couple:
- Met through a dating service and live far apart.
- Met in an Internet community, such as a forum or multiplayer online game.
- Met while one or both was on vacation.
- Used to live close together, but one has since moved away (e.g., job, college, military)
The very nature of the relationship allows either individual to be unfaithful to one another without the other discovering any clue to a scandal much easier than a normal relationship. Many individuals end up losing feeling for their significant other, because it is of human nature to have to feel physical, emotional, and sexual intimacy. While a meeting between the two may occur occasionally, the periods in between may create a sense of loss and induce several negative emotions, such as a feeling of loss, depression, and sexual frustration. A common Vice is for one or both of the individuals to meet someone much closer to them geographically, and being developing feelings for them. Online dating and the internet have greatly expanded the opportunities to meet people from other parts of the world. Because of this, long distance relationships are becoming more common. Technologies including cell phones, e-mail, online chatting and video conferencing have also made it possible to keep in touch. Other forms of communication often include:
- Letters
- Instant messaging
- Text messaging
- Skype or other VoIP programs
- Shared online activities (e.g., online games such as chess, roleplay games such as Ragnarok and World of Warcraft)
- Shared offline activities (e.g., watching the same movie while talking on the phone)
