Page 29 - STMT 2nd Edition

chance to really get to know each other, but long

distance, because of the barrier, forces very deep

communication.”

When our brains are repeatedly exposed to the same people and

situations, they eventually become habituated, and we get used to these

things as part of daily life.

But when we encounter new stimuli, we respond with heightened senses,

which is why new couples seem inseparable.

In a long distance relationship, partners don’t

become quickly habituated to each other, so the

entire relationship can feel like a suspended

“honeymoon phase.” Whether that’s a good or bad

thing depends on the couple.

So far, no studies have researched how long a couple can stay long

distance and still maintain a stable relationship, but Mehta believes stage

of life is an important factor.

A couple that met in college and then moved apart to pursue graduate

degrees or career opportunities will handle a relationship differently than

a couple that began dating long distance.

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