BBC Take Away English (How long-

这应该是你知道的情节：某人在前一分钟遇到了自己生命中的爱人，而下一分钟却发现他们的爱人住在地球的另一边。无奈，他们开始了一段异地恋情。但是分居两地，有众多潜在的问题和障碍，他们是怎么做到的呢？本期BBC随身英语讨论异地恋应如何维系感情。

long-distance relationship
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

vocabulary

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

make sentences

1. Committing to a person is an important part of being in a relationship.

2. Distance limits the amount you can be intimate with your partner.

3. Some people don’t believe in monogamy.

4. Stricter fines may act as a deterrent.

5. My dog is a great companion.
   @BBC Learning English