Long-distance relationships are tough. Here’s advice for making them work
1. Call and communicate
It is very important in a long distance relationship to stay in touch. You should be in contact with your significant other every day, unless otherwise noted. Make time to have in-depth conversations where you can hear each other’s voice or see each other’s faces. Face-to-face conversation is a good way to become intimate, which is often difficult for long-distance couples.
2. Talk in the morning and evening
This way, you feel like you’ve made a connection at the beginning and end of your days. That way, even if you’re not physically together, you feel like you’re a part of each other’s lives.
3. Ask each other how they feel
Show that you care about the other person and that you are willing to be there for them through anything. Asking the other person how they feel allows the listener to reflect and share what is really at the heart of their feelings and thoughts. For the person asking the question, it shows that they care and gives them a clear idea of what they need most to get back to connection and love.
4. Frequent Visits
Of course, the practicality of this recommendation varies depending on actual distance and financial situation, but it is important. Visiting is the way for distant couples to break up the long periods of separation. During visits, they can enjoy quality time that normal couples often take for granted. Take advantage of this limited quality time.
5. Virtual dating
Unfortunately, you can’t be together all the time, but virtual dates are a great way to share experiences and bridge the gap between you and your partner. Candlelight dinners on Skype or watching Netflix on the phone are great ways to create memories that you can reminisce about even if you’re not in the same place.
6. Give gifts and send letters
The gifts you send don’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful references to past conversations or a few bags of their favorite cocoa powder. It’s always nice to open a gift, and this little surprise is a way to let your partner know they are in your thoughts.
7. Have an end in sight
No matter what, try to remember that this is only a temporary arrangement and that at some point you will be reunited. By setting an exact date when you know you will see each other again, you will always have something to look forward to. When things get tough, you can know exactly how long you have until the next meeting.
8. Put each other first
Long-distance relationships take work, and it’s important that both partners put in the work and put each other first. It’s imperative that both partners feel like they are considered a priority in some way and that they feel good about it.
9. If something feels wrong, talk about it
If something has changed in your relationship, it’s important to start asking yourself if you’re both on the same page and have a tough conversation about whether it’s time to end the relationship. You may also need to ask yourself if there is someone else if you feel like there is. Trust your instincts.
