Mental

The Emotional Strain of Long-Distance

When you’re in a long-distance relationship, every day spent apart can feel like a battle. It’s not just about missing the physical presence of the person you love — it’s the emotional connection that can sometimes feel out of reach. For a basketball player like me, the pressure to perform on the court doesn’t stop just because I’m feeling emotionally drained.

Sometimes, the game-day adrenaline can mask the exhaustion, but the reality always hits at the end of the day. The quiet hotel rooms after an away game, the long bus rides, the time zone changes — it all becomes a reminder of just how far away my fiancée is. While the court feels like home, the absence of the person you love can feel like an empty space.

The absence isn’t just emotional; it’s physical too. As someone who thrives on connection — whether it’s high-fives from teammates or a warm hug from family — the lack of closeness can cause a feeling of disconnection from the things that bring emotional stability. Being away from your fiancée during these times can leave a void that is hard to fill.