When it comes to making a long distance relationship work, I’ve been there. There is no denying the fact that even the best relationships over long distances can be extremely challenging!
Relationships over long distances are frequently romanticized. Who doesn’t like a story about lovers who are at odds? Sadly, their actual lives can be…less glamorous. Time differences, missed calls, videos that don’t load, expensive plane tickets, and visa restrictions can all hurt a long distance relationship. The odds of surviving as a couple can seem insurmountable when a pandemic is added.
1. Communication is the key
Make sure to connect in some way every day, even if your communication isn’t long and drawn out. Skype or FaceTime calls, short emails, and text messages are all great ways to keep things interesting. When you do manage to have longer conversations, try not to let them turn into one-sided, repetitive, and long-winded rants about the day’s activities.
2. Schedule visits to spend time with each other
The importance of face-to-face interaction cannot be overstated. Long-distance relationships can progress quickly due to frequent communication, but they risk becoming one-sided if communication dominates. While current circumstances may limit visits, planning ahead for regular meet-ups can provide something to look forward to. If possible, consider surprise visits to add spontaneity and strengthen your connection.
3. Be aware of the limitations of physical contact
There are numerous virtual ways to spice things up and mimic the intimacy of physical touch. However, if you are disappointed that you are unable to be together in person, prioritize your emotional connection so that when you are together, you are stronger as a couple than before. Focusing on what you can control is preferable to focusing on everything else. Non-monogamy might be an option for you or other people you know, but Jackson warns that it’s not for everyone if you’re thinking about opening up your long distance relationship to solve a problem.
4. Solve the arguments as soon as possibly
Couples in long-distance relationships are no exception to the rule when it comes to arguments. In the event that you have a contention with your accomplice, resolve together to get it past you before a specific time span is up to 24 hours, for instance. By setting a time limit, you give each other a chance to cool off and prevent one partner from worrying that the relationship is over. When your long-distance partner is upset, it can be frightening and nerve-wracking to watch them vanish on you. Make a commitment to quickly resolve any disagreements.
5. Spend time together, even when you’re apart
Eat dinner together, watch movies you started on Netflix at the same time, and Skype or text while you watch. Also, make it a top priority to involve your partner in the smallest aspects of your day by sending photos of new projects to each other or calling while you both hike separate trails. Sharing experiences other than phone calls is important, despite the fact that having your partner on the line the entire time while you are both staring at the television, cooking, or walking may appear to be boring. It’s always a good thing to be able to look back over the past three months and know that you didn’t spend the entire time on the phone.
6. Have faith in your long distance relationship
One partner may excessively check in on the other due to insecurity. This can cause an excessive amount of inappropriate calls and texts to be sent, which can create unnecessary tension within long distance relationship. Couples communicate constructively for the purpose of letting their partners know about their lives and the things that matter most to them. Couples separated by distance must have the same interactions when both are at home, so the frequency of interactions must be correlated with those interactions. It needs to be at a level that both parties can live with.
7. Enjoy to have your free time and space
The fact that long-distance relationships do not necessitate the same level of time commitment as relationships between people who live close to one another is one advantage of these types of relationships. Even though you spend time communicating with your partner, you still have plenty of time to live your own lives and engage in your preferred activities.
8. Plan your future together
Is being together the ultimate objective? If that’s the case, make sure you and the other person talk about when your long distance relationship will end. More than two thirds of long distance relationship end when the partners fail to anticipate changes in their relationship, such as moving closer together. When both of you are on the same page regarding your future, it is much simpler to maintain a positive outlook on the entire situation. Naturally, such discussions can take place at any time. Just as you would if the relationship were already taking shape in person, give the relationship time to develop before having in-depth discussions about the future.
