Is Long-Distance Dating Still Worth It Anymore?

[Kurumi]

Hi everyone! I just joined LoveShack, and this is actually my first topic here, so I’m curious to hear what people think.

I’ve been single for quite a long time, and over the past few months I’ve finally felt ready to open myself up to the possibility of a new relationship again.

I’ve tried a few dating apps and platforms, and one thing I keep noticing is how quickly people lose interest the moment they realize there’s some distance involved. Sometimes the conversation can be going really well, there’s attraction, shared interests, similar values, and then the question of location comes up and suddenly it feels like none of those things matter anymore.

It made me wonder whether dating has changed.

I completely understand that long-distance relationships aren’t easy. You can’t spontaneously meet for dinner, spend a lazy Sunday together, or simply be there physically when the other person needs you. And obviously, a relationship can’t stay long-distance forever. At some point, if it becomes serious, two people have to make a real plan to close that distance.

But at the same time, if you meet someone who genuinely feels right for you, is distance really enough of a reason not to even explore the possibility?

Maybe I’m a little old fashioned, but I feel like finding someone who shares your values, communicates well, makes you feel understood, and actually wants the same kind of future is already difficult enough. Limiting that person to someone who happens to live within 20 or 30 miles seems strange to me.

So I’m curious how everyone here sees it.

Would you consider dating someone who lived in another city or state if the connection felt strong enough? Have you ever had a long distance relationship that actually worked?

And for those who absolutely wouldn’t do it, was there an experience that changed your mind, or do you simply feel that physical proximity is necessary from the beginning?

Maybe the bigger question is this: Has modern dating made us more practical about relationships, or just less willing to take a chance on someone?

Curious to hear everyone’s experiences, especially from people who have been on both sides of this.

[ExpatInItaly]

I wouldn't be interested in trying to build a totally new connection with someone who is long-distance. 

If I already knew the person and there some foundation there, I might consider it. But from scratch? No. It would be too time-consuming and complicated to figure out if we even meshed well, let alone try to have a relationship. I haven't got the time or interest in that. 

I don't think this is anything new about modern dating, either. I am mid-40s now and stayed away from this sort of thing even when I was much younger. My friends did, too. 

[E in N]

On 8/21/2026 at 11:01 PM, ExpatInItaly said:

I wouldn't be interested in trying to build a totally new connection with someone who is long-distance. 

If I already knew the person and there some foundation there, I might consider it. But from scratch? No. It would be too time-consuming and complicated to figure out if we even meshed well, let alone try to have a relationship. I haven't got the time or interest in that. 

I don't think this is anything new about modern dating, either. I am mid-40s now and stayed away from this sort of thing even when I was much younger. My friends did, too. 

Same here. 

[lemonicetea]

On another site someone advised me to consider a LDR. They told me that of course it’s my prerogative if I want to just date locals, but I’m really limiting myself. I couldn’t bring myself to take their advice. I have too much going for in my professional life to want to move to another state and I feel like it’s unfair to assume that somebody I match with on an app would want to move to my neck of the woods. Maybe if it was someone I met organically and I already had a relationship with and they moved away, I would try it. But to start from square one with someone in another time zone? Forget about it. Honestly I’m a bit hesitant on someone who lives much more than an hour’s drive from me. 

[E in N]

14 hours ago, lemonicetea said:

 Honestly I’m a bit hesitant on someone who lives much more than an hour’s drive from me. 

Where I live a 15 minute drive can easily become a 45 minute drive depending on the time of day/evening.

I just don't have the patience or time for that anymore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[basil67]

I'm old.  If I wasn't married, I could imagine doing long distance with someone who lived in a nice location (easy access to the beach/nice rural town) and was happy to see me for a weekend every few weeks.  He'd be a companion rather than a boyfriend.