A new survey from matchmaking service Tawkify has found that 65% of respondents are willing to pursue long-distance relationships, reflecting a growing openness among modern daters to look beyond geographic proximity for new connections.
The survey indicates that long-distance relationships are rarely casual decisions. Nearly 70% of respondents said a strong emotional connection would be required before considering distance, with only 27% open to starting one on an adventurous whim. Practical factors also play a role: 32% cited remote work or flexible schedules as enabling travel, making long-distance more feasible.
Despite willingness, common obstacles remain prominent. Respondents identified lack of physical intimacy (29%), emotional distance (27%), trust issues (25%), and communication challenges (22%) as major hurdles. Scheduling visits emerged as the top logistical concern, cited by 31%. Trust levels are notably lower for long-distance setups—only 35% of respondents trust them as much as local relationships.
Communication expectations vary widely. Forty percent said they would want multiple daily interactions, while 26% preferred a few check-ins per week and 25% expected once-daily contact. A lack of effort from the other person was a dealbreaker for 56%, and 47% viewed insufficient communication as a non-negotiable issue.The survey also revealed strong openness to relocation: 84% would consider moving for the right partner, a figure consistent across age groups, including Gen X and older. Sixty-nine percent were open to reciprocal travel for high-quality matches, and 59% would travel to another city to meet someone compared to 51% willing to host.
Long-distance relationships often originate on social media (26%), underscoring the role of digital platforms in initial connections. Traditional apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble prioritize local matching, but these findings suggest demand for tools supporting relationship-stage communication—such as advanced scheduling, trust-building features, or deeper video integration – beyond basic chats.
Specialized platforms like LiveStatus, Coupla, and iPassion already offer resources for long-distance couples, addressing logistics and nurturing intimacy. The Tawkify data aligns with prior trends: a 2025 Social Discovery Group survey found 71% of respondents interested in international connections, up sharply from pre-pandemic levels.
