Like Two Parting Seas

Reviewed by Michael fo Diverse Reader

Long distance relationships are hard. Long distance relationships across time zones or oceans are even harder. The sheer amount of coordination needed to maintain them requires not only an enormous amount of trust by both parties, but also a strong desire from each side to make things work. They’re also scary because at any given time, one of the people involved may simply decide the effort isn’t worth it and throw in the towel.


But isn’t that true of any kind of relationship?


Nathan and Leo have been in what can best be described as a trans-Atlantic long distance relationship for two years. Nathan is in Boise while Leo is in Italy. After years of text messages, phone calls, and video chats, Leo pays Nathan a visit. Given their physical distance, the visit could be awkward, but it’s not. They’ve spent the last two years getting to know each other in ways that people who have the freedom to see each other regularly rarely do. When a couple is separated by distance, they have to be creative and honest in their approach with the other person. There’s a familiarity between Nathan and Leo, they know each other, perhaps better than others. Perhaps due to the distance, they’ve been able to completely be themselves with the other man.


Each wants to take things to the next level, but fear taking things too fast and ruining what could perhaps be the best thing in their lives. Let’s be real, the rules change when you move a relationship from the cyberworld into the real world, and the fears they each have are very real. What if it doesn’t work out? Are they willing to risk their friendship on building a romantic relationship? How do you build a relationship when you literally live on opposite sides of the planet?


The answers aren’t easy. But isn’t that the truth of every relationship? Long-distance relationships are no less valid than conventional relationships. Love can still bloom because the foundation of that relationship, the things that every relationship needs, are the things that Leo and Nathan have.


Trust and hope.