All relationships require work, especially when you and your loved one are in different cities or countries. Partners might need more communication, feel overwhelmed and stressed, and miss physical contact. So, let’s consider some tips for long-distance relationships. You can choose the ones that suit you best.
1. Make plans for the future
Enter a long-distance relationship if you’re ready for significant changes. In any case, relationships can’t always stay long-distance, and eventually, someone will have to move for their partner. If you genuinely love each other, this shouldn’t be a problem. Understand that this type of relationship requires future planning.
Such relationships have many unique aspects, like long-distance dating. Agree that meeting at a café in the center of your city and walking by the lake won’t suffice. So, evaluate your strengths, analyze your feelings, and only then agree to a long-distance relationship.
2. Keep getting to know each other
When you’re far apart, the phone is the most crucial element of communication. People talk on the phone and chat in messengers, and everything seems great. But at some point, you might run out of topics to talk about and not know what to say. That’s when people transition from interesting, intellectual conversations and debates to dull, boring chatter.
During this period, you need to get to know your partner better. For example, you can buy the “1000 Questions for Couples” book, which helps pull people out of a conversational rut. Now and then, you and your loved one can open the book and play a light conversation game that allows your partner to get to know you better.
3. Meet in person from time to time
Plan and make visits to each other. Visits are something that each partner will look forward to. However, be aware that such meetings can be quite expensive. So, plan your expenses, save money, and pack your bags on time.
There are several things to do in a long-distance relationship to keep the fire burning. Whatever it costs, it’s always worth making the trip to see your loved one. So, if you’ve been hesitant to buy tickets until now, this is the sign to purchase them for the chosen dates as soon as possible.
4. Stay connected with friends and family, not just your loved one
Long-distance relationships can take up much of your thoughts and time, yet don’t lose touch with other people. Make sure your love life at a distance is balanced with your everyday life at home. Making a long-distance relationship work means living your real physical life, not just your virtual and phone life.
For example, it’s okay to decline your friends’ invitation for coffee if you want to spend time with your loved one, but don’t say “no” every time. At the same time, don’t treat your boyfriend or girlfriend as less of a priority than your friends. Find balance in your communication, and don’t forget about time for yourself.
5. Don’t cheat or lie to your loved one
Cheating is a problem both in relationships with someone from the same city and in long-distance relationships. To avoid being a cheater, steer clear of situations where cheating might be tempting. Don’t get into situations that could seem suspicious if your loved one finds out. Don’t communicate with those you know you’re attracted to, and don’t be alone with someone who might have a sexual interest.
The next piece of advice is always to be honest. Don’t hide the truth about what has already happened or what you’re planning, even if your partner doesn’t like your plans. And when you don’t want to talk to anyone right now, just say so instead of covering up with work or other routine tasks.
6. Plan fun long-distance dates
As mentioned, dating is an essential element of any relationship. Here are some long-distance date ideas to consider. Plan a virtual movie night to watch new or favorite films together. Or try a virtual museum tour, which you can find on the websites of famous museums worldwide.
If you’re creative, you can start a podcast about how you maintain your long-distance relationship and be an example for other couples. Have a DIY night or learn something new together, whether it’s drawing or knitting scarves. Or start learning a new language together to improve your skills and plan a trip to a country where you can practice what you’ve learned together.
7. Don’t rush through life
It often happens that a couple has been dating for about a month, and one person is already eager to move to the next stage in the relationship. They think that in such a short time, their partner should have accepted their high expectations and started changing the situation. Or they can't bear the distance any longer and demand that their boyfriend or girlfriend move in with them as soon as possible.
This insistence and desire for rapid progress can push the loved one away. In relationships that have just begun, they already see themselves as spouses. Very often, this provokes arguments that end in a breakup. Or even worse, the pressured partner simply disappears, leaving both individuals alone with unpleasant memories. Remember, everything has its time, and there's no need to rush through life.
8. Resolve problems immediately
Don’t take long breaks when you don’t communicate or drift apart for a while. As in regular relationships, communication is the foundation of healthy relationships. Any issue that bothers you or your partner should be discussed and resolved as soon as possible.
Arguments are normal, and if you have a fight in the evening, nothing terrible will happen if you start a new discussion in the morning. During this time, you can cool down and analyze the problem. Yet, don’t postpone it indefinitely, as it will resurface and continue to harm both of you.
In conclusion, long-distance relationships require effort, faith, and true, strong love from both partners. Remember that love conquers all distances. If you and your partner believe in a happy future together and do everything possible to achieve it, it will happen. For more insights and inspiration on the topic of strengthening love — explore our summary of The 5 Love Languages. It is a classic guide to improving your relationship through understanding of each other’s needs.
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