As I mentioned in my first post, I’m in a long distance relationship with a boy I met in Italy almost a year and a half ago. I’m incredibly happy with him and our relationship despite the distance. We talk to each other almost every day whether it’s through the phone, MSN messenger or webcam. I’ve traveled to Italy to visit him and he’s come to NYC to see me. Now that I’ll be in London soon, we’ll be traveling to see each other more often and I couldn’t be happier about it.
So you can imagine my anger when I saw this article on Slate.
You’re sitting in the airport terminal, rolling your copy of the Economist into a sweaty tube and waiting to see a significant other who lives far away. You’re excited. You’re aroused. But there’s something else, a nagging feeling that gurgles in your stomach and won’t go away. Is it pangs of guilt? It should be: The planet is about to suffer for your love.
I have been vegetarian for eight years. I use energy-efficient lightbulbs, take public transportation as often as possible instead of driving, buy green cleaning products, organic food etc., but the notion that I’m being selfish and should end my long distance relationship for the sake of the environment is so incredibly ridiculous!
What’s more, out-of-town daters have less sex than local couples—and long stretches of abstinence between visits could lead to negative health outcomes and thus higher health care costs. Distance also magnifies the impact of negative feelings like longing and suspicion; according to one study, intercity lovers are more likely to be depressed and less likely to share resources or take care of each other when sick. And they spend money on travel that they might otherwise save and invest—leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks and wearing away their future standard of living. Every one of these demons could be banished by simply dating local.
Ahh, simply date local! Why didn’t I think of that? Come on now, like it’s really all that simple. Instead of buying a TV or car, I jump on a plane to Italy. I don’t think that’s economically irresponsible. And I’ve been a lot less depressed since I met F, thank you very much!
Obviously being in a long distance relationship isn’t an ideal situation but some people search their whole lives to find someone to love. I think if a person if lucky enough to find love then that person should hold on to it, cherish it and try their best to make it work.
So Barron, fyi… I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to fall in love with someone who lives 5000 miles away and it’s not going to go away overnight either just because of your ignorant article.
I’m not going to feel guilty about traveling to see F either. Why should I feel guilty for trying to sustain a healthy, positive, loving relationship?
