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ENTITY debates if absence makes the heart grow fonderPhoto via Instagram / @kathrynthecraftymillennial

When you find true love, nothing feels better. But sometimes life gets in the way of you spending as much time as you’d like with your partner. This can often leave you wondering whether or not absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

If you’re in a long-distance relationship, it may feel like you and your partner are the only ones. After all, with couples smooching and canoodling everywhere from your Instagram feed to the Starbucks line, it may seem like everyone’s partner is in the here and now.

However, we want you to believe in your beau, even if your partner has to take countless business trips or can’t live in your city or state.

ENTITY debates whether absence makes the heart grow fonder

So, ENTITY’s here to explain the validity behind the adage, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

How many couples are actually in long-distance relationships?

ENTITY debates whether absence makes the heart grow fonder

Of the 323 million people living in the United States, around 14 million claim to be in long-distance relationships.

Many college relationships are long-distance. In fact, long-distance relationships account for 32.5 percent of college couples. So no you’re not the only one with a honey on another campus.

But here’s the information you really want to know, 40 percent of long-distance relationships don’t last. However, there’s still hope.

There are 375 million married couples in long-distance relationships and over 75 percent of engaged couples said they were previously in a long-distance relationship with their partner.

And when they don’t work out, it’s usually because of faulty communication or unexpected life events. In fact, 70 percent fail because of changes that weren’t planned for.

Judging by the numbers, it’s safe to say at least a good number of Americans can attest that, for their relationship, absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

Here’s the science behind true love.

ENTITY debates whether absence makes the heart grow fonder

Like the rest of us, even scientists debate what causes true love.

One of the common reasons scientists believe we get feelings of love is because of the cuddling and kissing associated with showing affection. This behavior release endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine in our brain. This makes us feel appreciated, connected and rewarded.

This, then, may seem to support the concept that once you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind. But love isn’t just a chemical reaction.

Another faction of scientists believe love is more instantaneous.

They attribute love to the moments of mental and spiritual connections with another person. In their opinion, you fall in love with people all the time, and if someone can continue making you realize things about yourself or the world, then you can keep falling in love with them over and over again.

This is positive for long-distance couples who often communicate via phone, video or letters. In this sense, it doesn’t really matter if absence makes the heart grow fonder or not because a mental connection can be gained even without the physical touch.

If you do last, there’s a better chance your connection is true.

ENTITY debates whether absence makes the heart grow fonder

Long-distance isn’t the picture perfect relationship. You aren’t the “perfect couple” cultivating their #relationshipgoals Instagram image.

Instead, being in a long-distance relationship requires maintaining your connection through strong communication, connection and a willingness to make it work.

When it comes to a long-distance relationship, you also have more time to work on your own happiness, which will only help you make your partner happier. Happy people are thankful and honest about their needs. If you can keep these qualities in a long-term relationship, it will help create the openness you need to succeed with your partner.

When there is solid trust and communication in a relationship, you are less likely to wonder if your absence makes the heart grow fonder or not. You will just know you’re doing the right thing.

ENTITY debates whether absence makes the heart grow fonder

So, whether you buy into the cliches or not, it is pretty evident that long-distance couples make it work everyday. Absence very well can make the heart grow fonder. But, at the end of the day, just keeping it real with your partner is what will make your love last.

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