Physical presence, with distance.

Two people can sit close together, share the same room, the same sofa, the same everyday life, and yet be infinitely far from each other. Not because they don't like each other, but because misunderstandings are allowed to grow in the silence.

Distance in relationships is rarely about a lack of feelings. It's about unmet needs, assumptions, and the fear of saying what really matters.

When we stop being curious about each other's inner world, we instead begin to interpret, guess and conclude, and that's where the gap arises.

Often we turn away, not to escape but to protect ourselves.

We shut down when we feel misunderstood.

We withdraw when we don't feel seen.

And without wanting to, we create exactly the distance we long for the other person to close.

Closeness requires courage.

Courage to stay in the conversation, even when it is difficult.

Courage to say: “This hurt” instead of remaining silent. Because it is not disagreement that divides us

it is the silence between two people who still love but no longer reach each other.

Distance can be reduced again.

Not by pressuring, but by meeting each other honestly, openly and without defense.

Often, it only takes one real conversation before the way home becomes visible.