A mathematician has created a formula for the perfect long-distance relationship – and it’s good news for couples who are willing to put in the effort
The secret to a successful long-distance relationship for university students has been revealed. Mathematician Bobby Seagull analysed data from 1,000 individuals aged between 18 and 30 who were in a long-distance relationship during their university years, identifying key factors that contribute to the success of such relationships.
The formula takes into account the effort invested by a couple against the challenges they face. According to this formula, the higher your Long-Distance Love index, the greater the likelihood of your relationship succeeding. This formula was developed following research involving 1,000 young adults aged 18-30 who are or were in a long-distance relationship while at university.
The study found that these individuals typically only saw their partners three times per month, travelling an average distance of 171.3 miles each time.
Consequently, these couples spend nearly £170 every month on travel costs to meet up with their significant other. However, 85% believe they would have seen – or would see – their long-distance partner more frequently if there were cheaper travel options available.
Although 30% would normally opt to drive and 27% would take a bus, the majority of these journeys (72%) were completed by train.
Sarah Rosier, customer experience director for National Express, which commissioned the formula, said: “This autumn has seen high school sweethearts parting ways and going to separate universities. So, we wanted to find the perfect formula to help them stay together.
“Maintaining a long-distance relationship isn’t easy, particularly when you’re also studying and living that lifestyle as well.”
The ‘perfect formula’ was devised by examining factors including the distance travelled by students to visit each other, the number of texts sent, how often they called, and the frequency with which they declared their love.
On average, a typical romantic would fire off a whopping 68 messages to their partner each day and would speak to them on the phone four times.
Additionally, they would skip roughly four-and-a-half days’ worth of lectures or classes to visit their long-distance partner. Overall, 72% said their long-distance relationship had proved successful and they remained together.
According to those in long-distance relationships at university, the secrets to success are communicating with your partner daily, either through calls or a flurry of texts, and accepting that being apart isn’t forever.
Bobby Seagull added: “If they stick to the numbers there is a high chance they can make this work.”
Sarah added: “With hundreds of frequent coaches serving destinations across the UK, it means students have one less thing to worry about and can make the most of their budget while spending precious time with their long-distance loves.”
How to measure your long-distance love index:
v = visits per month (e.g. 2.84)
mₙ = normalised miles travelled (actual ÷ “too far” threshold) e.g 171 ÷ 256 ≈ 0.67
t = daily messages (e.g 68)
c = daily calls (e.g 4.08)
l = daily “I love you”s (e.g 7.54)
r = resilience factor (e.g. proportion who agree long-distance makes them appreciate time together: 86% = 0.86)
d = distance difficulty (cost & travel barrier proxy e.g. monthly spend £168 ÷ £277 threshold ≈ 0.61)
s = stress factor (proportion who found it expensive & said it nearly broke them up: 0.68 × 0.44 ≈ 0.30)
If your relationship scores over 300 on the Long-Distance Love index, your chances of success are high