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Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Vol. 23, No. 6, 901-919 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0265407506070472
© 2006 SAGE Publications

When long-distance dating partners become geographically close

Laura Stafford

Ohio State University, stafford.3{at}osu.edu

Andy J. Merolla

Ohio State University

Janessa D. Castle

Ohio State University

This study explored long-distance dating relationships’ (LDDRs) transition to geographic proximity. About half of LDDR partners experience this transition, whereas the other half end their relationships during separation. Among reunited relationships, one-third terminate within 3 months of reunion. Participants’ open-ended responses highlight changes associated with reunion, including the loss of autonomy; increased positive and negative knowledge; time management difficulties; and heightened conflict and jealousy. Desirable features of LDDRs (e.g., autonomy and novelty) appear to be lost, and missed, upon reunion. Individuals whose relationships terminated upon reunion were more likely to report missing aspects of LDDRs. Overall, we propose reunions facilitate relational and partner knowledge acquisition, the dissipation of quixotic ideals, and increased partner interdependence.

Key Words: dating relationships • dialectics • long-distance relationships • reunions • turning points


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L. Stafford and A. J. Merolla
Idealization, reunions, and stability in long-distance dating relationships
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, February 1, 2007; 24(1): 37 - 54.
[Abstract] [PDF]