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Long distance relationships can be tough at the same time as they can be beautiful and filled with hope. Most people would much prefer to have their sweetheart right by their side all the time rather than miles away. Even though the two of you could probably text or FaceTime all day long, there’s something to be said for the in person connection that so many people crave. From physical touch to quality time, there’s a lot to desire when you and your partner are long distance.
Even though it’s hard, it’s no secret that many people do it, and often come out stronger on the other side. When you put the effort in and prove that your relationship is strong, you can find a fulfilling connection. You may even use your distance to create healthy boundaries, trust and communication practices that enrich your lives. With a few tips to help a long distance relationship last, you can get into a groove that works for however long you need it to.
Long distance relationships are often like that for a reason — you both have things to do in other places. While it might be nice to plan a visit every few weeks, that’s not always possible, especially if your love spans oceans or continents. If you can only visit every few months, it’s important to make those visits count as much as possible. Try to make them longer if they’re less frequent so you can truly get quality time in.
It’s also important to strike a balance with your time together. While over planning can leave you both feeling stifled, making your visits exciting is a huge part of having fun together. Plan activities you’re both excited for, but make sure you can spend quality downtime alone, too.
Just because you can’t meet up in person doesn’t mean you have to let date night fall by the wayside. Often, planning cute hangouts and creative dates over video chat is what keeps you connected. It’s a designated time and place to enjoy yourselves together and have fun, just like an in person date. Plus, it’s usually cheaper and you probably won’t have to leave your house. You can try an art project together or play an online game — the sky is the limit with all the fun activities you can try.
If your love language is physical touch or gifts, listen up. The hardest part of being away from your significant other is often missing all the little things that come with having them there. Technology is great for communication, but why not take it off the phones for a little while?
Send each other cute gifts or surprises in the mail. Even letters can be a fun treat that can brighten anyone’s day. Keeping something of your partner’s around can also be a great way to feel more physically connected to them. A clothing item, accessory or keepsake can go a long way.
Perhaps your long distance stint is only for a little while, or you’re feeling bored and lonely without them in this new, unfamiliar space. It can be freeing to realize that alone time is a blessing and you can make the most of it. Spend your time away from your partner working on personal growth and development, enriching the other relationships around you and doing things you love. Spending every minute missing them won’t do anybody any good.
One way you can feel more connected to one another is by getting involved in each other’s lives so your relationship doesn’t feel isolated. Introduce them to friends and family via video chat, include them in game nights or hangouts with your friends digitally and follow one another’s circle on social media. This can help you feel like you’re seeing more of them and give you each a better picture of your lives together.
While it won’t be the same as hanging out with one another’s friends and family in person, it can bring a sense of familiarity to one another and the people around you.
If you’re serious enough for your relationship to stretch miles, you’re probably serious enough that you want them to be the last thing you think about before your head hits the pillow. If you’re dealing with a time difference or unconventional schedules, this might not be a possibility every night, but a ritual like this can help you feel more connected and in sync. Even a simple text can make a world of difference.
For some couples, this will be easier than others. Things like college, military service and job training all have a definitive end date, and putting a countdown on it and looking forward to the date can help put things into perspective. If your timeline isn’t so clear cut, setting a date or simply talking about plans for your future together can help to put your forlorn feelings at ease.
When you put your intentions into action, your relationship will have the opportunity to flourish. It’s all about finding creative ways to connect, communicating openly and cultivating a plan for the future. With a little effort, a lot of hope and a few tips to help a long distance relationship last, your love can go the distance.
