Does Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder?

[GreasyItalianPrincess]

<b>Does absence really make the heart grow fonder?</b>

Dear GIP:

I have been dating a guy for 16 months and have become pretty serious with him in the past three. I found out two weeks ago that I am being promoted and have to relocate from LA to Chicago for 6 to 18 months. I know that he should not follow me, nor could I ask him to. But how do we evaluate whether we should try a long-distance relationship? Both of us are young, I am 23 and he's 25, and firmly believe in dating for a long time before moving to the next step. Help!

P




<i>GIP WRITES:</i>


Dear P:

It sounds as if the two of you have built a solid foundation of mutual caring, respect, trust and passion.

A long-distance relationship can be a wonderful test of whether you and your boyfriend are truly meant to be. Continue speaking, emailing and snail-mailing after you move, and schedule romantic weekends together. If, as time passes, the bond between you grows stronger, you can move ahead with assurance that you're coming together for the best of reasons. If, ultimately, absence makes the heart grow less fond, you'll know you gave the romance your best shot. And since the two of you have such a healthy relating style, you'll probably wind up with a friend, if not a lover, for life. And that's no small potatoes!


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