A lot of people believe that long distance relationships just don’t work, and that putting in all that time and effort will be too much if the relationship isn’t giving you the opportunity for geographical physical closeness. However, even if they are monumentally challenging, they are also very much worth it with the right partner. Long distance is a commitment that both the partners make, and the waiting for it to end one day can be painful, but there are certain things you can do to make it easier for each other. It is important to remember that both of you are working towards something bigger and greater, and at the end of it all, it can be amazing to finally fall into the arms of your partner and reap the rewards of all your efforts. Below are some important tips for everyone who is in a long distance relationship:
1. Don’t Communicate Constantly
A lot of couples try to make up for the long distance by constantly being in touch with each other. Partners may have high expectations about the frequency of the messages as well as how quickly they have to respond. However, with this, it is easy to become saturated and even annoyed after a while. The point here is quality, not quantity. There is no need to message every minute of every day; but it is important to keep in touch frequently enough.
2. But Do Communicate Frequently
When you do share with your partner, don’t be afraid to overshare. Tell your partner all the aspects of your day, update them on friends and family, send them pictures of the food you eat and make sure to begin and end each day with a “good morning” and “good night”. Also try to add creativity into the messages, and try to find new ways to communicate with your partner. This can keep things fresh and easy in the relationship, and can give you both a shared sense of purpose.
3. Make A Plan
It’s important for both of you to talk initially and chalk out a plan on how you want to approach the relationship. First, it is important that both of you know what each others’ expectations are as this will help to remove misunderstandings and miscommunication. Moreover, it is also important to know where the relationship will eventually converge. No one can be in a long distance all their lives, and most people that opt for a long distance tend to see a future together. Making a plan about the future, and working towards it together can help to make the relationship easier and bring both of you closer.
4. Be Open And Honest
Honesty is an integral pillar in any relationship, but it becomes even more important in long distance. If there is something bothering you, make sure you nip it right in the bud instead of burying it. The distance amplifies feelings of disconnect and loneliness, and if built up for long enough, can spell the end of the relationship. Don’t try to deal with difficult situations by yourself, and make sure to be open about everything you think and feel. This not only helps you communicate better, but it also strengthens the relationship.
5. Do Things Together
Just because you aren’t physically together does not mean you can’t do things together. Make time for virtual dates, take a walk outside together while on video call, make time for movie dates together, cook together while on video call and find new ways to spend time with each other so that you don’t feel too disconnected. This can help both of you get creative, and can also bring more fun into the relationship.
6. Make It Personal
Give each other gifts, and try to personalize it to make it more special. It doesn’t have to be a big gift or something really expensive. Small things, like making your partner a playlist to listen to, or giving them a perfume that can invoke all sorts of memories or just sending them flowers for an important occasion or even doing it without an occasion can make sure your partner feels important and secure in your life.
7. Learn To Enjoy The Alone Time
Finally, don’t let the long distance relationship make your alone time feel lonely. There is a lot you can do without your partner, like binge-watching TV shows, spending time with friends and family, or making time for things you enjoy like reading, writing or cooking. Your partner is a big part of your life, but doesn’t necessarily have to be your entire life. Learn to enjoy your alone time, as it can make the time you finally get together even more special.
