第1574期:How long-distance relationships work

Most of us dream of meeting that special someone. For lack of a better phrase, that Prince or Princess Charming who will sweep us off our feet. But to quote the old adage from Shakespeare, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” Sometimes our dream partner may have an unfortunate surprise to share with us – they may not live in the same town, city, country, or even on the same continent as you.

我们大多数人都梦想遇到那个特别的人。找不到比这更好的词组了，那就是让我们大吃一惊的王子或白马公主。但引用莎士比亚的那句古老格言，“真爱的道路从来都不是一帆风顺的。”有时，我们梦寐以求的伴侣可能会与我们分享一个不幸的惊喜——他们可能与您不在同一个城镇、城市、国家，甚至不在同一个大陆。

And so some crazy lovebirds decide to enter into a long-distance relationship. We live in a time when the internet facilitates easier interaction with your cherished and treasured potential life partner. However, according to the many people who have been in long-distance relationships, there are certain pitfalls that you need to be aware of to enjoy a committed and monogamous relationship over the wires of the net.

于是一些疯狂的情侣决定开始一段异地恋。我们生活在一个互联网促进与您珍爱的潜在生活伴侣更轻松互动的时代。然而，根据许多处于异地恋关系的人的说法，您需要注意一些陷阱，才能在网络上享受忠诚和一夫一妻制的关系。

Many people are put off by the very idea of it. A lack of intimacy and companionship can act as a deterrent for some, but for those who embrace a digital distance relationship, they must accept that at times they may feel lonely. Many of us dream of that inseparable bond, often named as ‘soulmates’, and here are three tips to help you navigate this potentially tricky form of dating.

许多人被它的想法所推迟。缺乏亲密感和陪伴对某些人来说可能是一种威慑，但对于那些拥抱数字距离关系的人来说，他们必须接受有时他们可能会感到孤独的事实。我们中的许多人都梦想着这种不可分割的纽带，通常被称为“灵魂伴侣”，这里有三个技巧可以帮助您驾驭这种可能很棘手的约会形式。

Firstly, there needs to be trust. Being faithful is a prerequisite in most relationships, but you also need to be able to trust yourself not to stray. Part of the challenge is dealing with loneliness. Also, maintaining a level of self-sufficiency and setting goals is another way to help you cope. Not only does it mean you keep your independence, but also gives you more to talk about with your partner. Lastly, you need a plan – dates when you will see each other again, or where the relationship will lead to: perhaps even marriage.

首先，要有信任。在大多数关系中，忠诚是一个先决条件，但你也需要能够相信自己不会迷路。部分挑战是处理孤独感。此外，保持一定程度的自给自足和设定目标是帮助您应对的另一种方式。这不仅意味着您保持独立，而且还让您有更多与伴侣交谈的机会。最后，你需要一个计划——你们将再次见面的日期，或者这段关系将走向何方：甚至可能是婚姻。

So, long-distance relationships are potentially a difficult situation, but if you do meet Mr or Mrs Right, and they live far away, there are some steps you can take to make life a little easier.

所以，异地恋可能是一个困难的情况，但如果你确实遇到了先生或太太，而且他们住在很远的地方，你可以采取一些措施来让生活变得更轻松一些。

词汇表

special someone 特别的那个人，生命中重要的那个人
Prince /Princess Charming 白马王子、白雪公主，理想的另一半
adage 格言
dream partner 理想的伴侣
lovebirds 情侣，恋人
cherished 珍爱的
treasured 心爱的
life partner 终身伴侣
pitfall 陷阱
committed 忠诚的
monogamous 一夫一妻制的
intimacy 亲昵的言行
companionship 陪伴
deterrent 威慑作用
inseparable 亲密无间的
prerequisite 先决条件
self-sufficiency 自给自足，自我满足
Mr / Mrs Right 意中人，理想伴侣