Long distance relationships are unique and have their own sets of problems. For instance, we experience moments of needing our partners but they’re a thousand miles away. So, how can we keep our connection strong despite the large distance? Continue reading to explore:
- Tips for Long Distance Relationships.
- 3 Ways to Cope with Long Distance Relationships.
- Fun Ideas for a Date Night.
- And much more!
Tips for Long Distance Relationships.
1. Stay Connected
Just like any other relationship, it is essential to stay in touch with your partner, especially over a long distance. While we’re at that topic, remember that what you communicate is also really important!
Many researchers continuously emphasize regular and supportive communication over long distances because the physical distance itself can feel like such a big challenge.
Make sure to understand what you and your partner need to feel fulfilled in this relationship. The key is to openly and honestly communicate about your day, thoughts, and feelings that you and your partner have experienced. You’re in this together!
2. Switch it Up! – Your Communication Methods, I Mean.
There are tons of apps that can help you communicate these days. So be sure to try them all! Texting, photo messages, snapchat or video calling, it is always helpful to try all of them to stay in touch.
So, what’s the best one? Try your best to video call each other as frequently as possible. Not only do you get to see each other, but it could also be related to improving your satisfaction with the long distance relationship!
The scientific study tells us that people who are more satisfied with long distance relationships have a greater likelihood of using video call apps.
| Fun Ideas for a Date Night – Video Call with Games/ Movie Night You can also use the Bunch app to video call each other and play games on there! It’s one of my favorites to recommend for long distance couples. The app is available on both android and iPhone. You can also use Teleparty to watch drama series or movies together! The app and website sync the episode/movie so that both you and your partner can watch it together in real-time. |
3. Tolerance and Patience are Key!
Long distance relationships can get frustrating because your partner is not physically close by and misunderstandings can increase.
Misunderstanding text messages is unfortunately a lot more common than you think. Science also tells us that we are more likely to misinterpret text messages with emotions in them.
So, what do you do? Ideally, you and your partner should communicate sensitive topics over video calls as that is the closest thing to being physically present.
If that is not possible, (and that is okay), remember to try to forgive the little mistakes we find in texts. We might be misinterpreting the texts as is!
Forgiving the little mishaps along the way and being there for your partner are the two most important things you can do for each other.
4. Have Keepsakes Ready.
Having some kind of physical object that belongs to your partner can serve as a wonderful reminder of their presence. These kinds of reminders are a helpful nudge to remind you of your partner’s physical presence when it has been a while since you met them.
So send each other your favorite plushies, maybe a couple of hairbands, or a favorite T-shirt that you can give to your partner.
| Fun Ideas for a Date Night – Remember the Keepsakes How about keeping the keepsakes close by when you’re on a virtual date night? Try and make your partner guess the story behind the keepsake you gave them and they gave you. Keep adding to the keepsakes mountain everytime you and your partner. You could always post them to your partner as well! |
5. Plan Meetups but Don’t Forget the Little Things!
It is definitely tempting to try to fit an entire vacation’s planning into your next meetup, and that’s great! But don’t forget the little gestures that tell your partner “I’m here for you and I care for you.”
Make and have breakfast together or do mundane tasks like grocery shopping together. It’s the little things that make it all count!
3 Ways to Cope with Long Distance Relationships.
1. Remind Yourself – You are Your Person
When we are in a relationship, we often forget that we have a life outside of it as well. You might also feel your partner’s absence more in a long-distance relationship.
But it is important to remember that you are an independent human being in a relationship. Your relationship does not define all of you.
Take the time out to have your hobbies, experience things and hang out with friends and families. This way, you will also have more things to tell your partner when you meet up for a call or chat.
2. Avoid Constantly Checking Up on Your Partner
Staying connected is important but it is also important to maintain boundaries.
Trusting your partner plays an incredibly important role in long distance relationships. Constantly checking in on your partner because you’re not sure about their whereabouts or what they’re doing is going to impact your mental health and the strength of your relationship.
Avoid checking up on them frequently and if you’re worried about something, communicate it to your partner. Open and honest communication is key.
3. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Keeping in touch with friends and family is especially important in long distance relationships. Make the best of what you can and reach out to friends and families to talk about your partner, share memories with them, and find their comfort when things get tough.
Using your surroundings can play a vital role in keeping you and your partner strong and stable throughout the relationship.
Conclusion
Long distance can be pretty challenging. Try to stay connected and use different apps to do that. Just like any other relationship, practice patience and the little gestures that make things worthwhile. Along the way, do not forget that you are independent and reach out to others.
