Distance doesn't have to be a deal-breaker
Plenty of country people are used to driving for the things that matter.
Online dating helps here. You can get to know someone properly before either of you makes a long journey, so when you do meet, it's because you both want to.
Decide how far is too far
Be honest with yourself about how often you could realistically meet.
- Set a search distance that suits you. Wide enough to give you a good choice, close enough that seeing each other is practical.
- Think about the season. A drive that's easy in summer can be hard on dark winter evenings or icy lanes.
- Talk about it early. If you're an hour apart, say so. People who are put off by the distance will tell you, and that saves time.
Meet halfway
A first date in the middle is fair to you both and makes it easy to get home.
Look for a market town, a country pub or a well-known walk roughly between you. It shares the travelling, and it means neither of you is on home ground for a first meeting.
Keep in touch between dates
- Message and chat regularly. Little and often keeps things going when you can't meet every week.
- Plan the next date before you leave. Having something to look forward to makes the distance feel shorter.
- Take turns travelling. Once you're getting on, sharing the driving keeps things balanced.
Stay safe on long journeys. Tell a friend where you're going, check your route and phone signal, and make sure you can get home under your own steam. For more, read how to spot a fake dating profile.