The Challenges of International Dating and How to Overcome Them

As modern technology continues to evolve, the modern dating scene has also evolved along with it. Gone are the days when barriers like distance, language and lack of communication means prevailed over love. Today, you no longer have to wait for months to get a message from the other side of the world.

Technological breakthroughs like the internet and SMS have given way for people to find love even on distant shores. As a result, an increasing number of people venture beyond their borders in search of a partner who truly embodies their ideals and values, which otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to find at home.

Despite the ease and accessibility of foreign dating though, it’d be foolish to claim that it no longer comes with cons and disadvantages. While it’s true that there might be some negatives and challenges when dating someone abroad, it is just a small price to pay considering what awaits at the other end. So before you embark on this journey, here are the challenges of dating internationally and how you can overcome them:

• Physical absence

  Not unless you have an insane amount of money to pay for your trips or if either of you are willing to move in together right away, you are going to have to endure the distance and each other’s physical absence at the onset of your relationship. Such is the nature of international dating.

  Rather than looking at it in a negative light, consider it as a challenge that will test and further strengthen your love, patience and resolve instead. If you manage to survive the relationship apart, imagine what it’ll be like when you’re finally together for good?

• Cultural Differences

  Cultural and language barriers are two of the most eminent challenges you’ll have to face when dating someone overseas. Your differences in beliefs, traditions and values will most likely cause arguments and misunderstandings down the line.

  Getting around your differences will be the first obstacle you’ll have to hurdle as a couple. The key to overcoming this challenge is compromise. Try to find a happy middle where you can set all your differences aside and focus on your shared interests instead.

• Possibility of long-distance relationship

  A long-distance relationship (LDR) is just one of the many possibilities you have to accept if you are to date someone abroad. You’d be extremely lucky if your circumstances will permit you not to go through such a tedious ordeal. For the most part, though, an international relationship kicks off this way.

  It’s normal for LDRs to go through a turbulent stage where doubts and negative thoughts plague the relationship. But relationships built on trust and genuine love will never succumb to negative thoughts and doubts. Just keep the faith and trust that everything will fall into its place eventually.

Every relationship will always have its ups and downs. It will always be up to the couple whether to work on these differences and use it to further strengthen their bond or let it tear them apart. The survival of a relationship isn’t just a mere product of happenstance, it is a choice.

As a couple, you have to make a choice and a conscious effort to work through the adversities and challenges that you’ll encounter along the way, because believe us, there will be challenges that will put your relationship to the test. But if you’re love for each other is genuine and true, you will never let even the hardest predicaments come between you and the love of your life.