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You met someone who gives you butterflies, but they don’t live nearby. Maybe they moved away for a job, or you fell in love over a dating app. Either way, long-distance relationships can be complicated. It’s challenging when you don’t get to see your partner in-person whenever you want, but it’s not impossible to make your love last.
Check out these eight helpful tips for dealing with a long-distance relationship. They’ll guide you through the ups and downs so the distance doesn’t feel so far.
When you live near your partner, you get to build your relationship on how it feels to be around them. You sense their moods and test your chemistry, but it’s a little different when it’s long-distance.
Communication is one of the most essential factors you can work on together. Talk about the big and little things. When you can chat about anything, you’ll never feel left out of their lives or alone in yours.
After making your relationship official, it’s tempting to spend all your free time texting your partner or talking with them over video chat. Even though your heart skips a beat when the phone rings, remember to prioritize your schedules.
Long-distance relationships allow more room for the beauty of personal growth. Pursue what you want and support what your partner wants. You’ll both become happier together when you’re content with yourselves.
At the same time, make sure your goals align. What you both pursue will predict if you can stay together long term.
Emotion drives relationships. Check in with your heart and discuss your emotional needs with your partner. Identifying them improves your communication and prevents future arguments.
Think about if you need things like:
Keep in mind that your emotional desires will change with time. Talking about them every so often helps you both adapt as your relationship grows.
Phone calls and texts aren’t the only ways of dealing with a long-distance relationship. People are always looking for new ways to connect. Investigating what’s on the market could introduce more fun and creativity to your lives.
Compare apps and gadgets to see what works with your relationship, like a love light or heartbeat bands. New tech might meet your emotional needs and defeat underlying problems.
It’s easy to reach your partner with a quick text, but remember non-virtual acts of love, too. It’s comforting to hold something physical and know your partner is thinking about you.
Write them a surprise letter on special stationery. Order a pizza and have it delivered to their front door. Sending your significant other a gift helps make long-distance relationships last because it’s a different way to feel physically connected.
You might have to go weeks or months without seeing your partner. Even if you’re busy, that time can feel like it will stretch on forever. Make big plans so you always have something to look forward to. When you get lonely, you can daydream about your next meetup and count down the days.
Make the most of your time apart by planning a few dates. Although you both want to see each other in person, you can connect over long-distance dates to get those butterflies fluttering again.
During your next video chat, do things like:
Think about what you both like to do, and you’ll find a way to transform those things into virtual dates.
Trust is the glue that holds long-distance relationships together. When you’re constantly worrying about where your partner is, who they’re talking to and if they’re hiding something, you won’t find happiness.
When you can talk with your partner without distractions, resolve your trust issues with an honest, nonconfrontational conversation. It might take time and persistence. During the healing process, you’ll discover if the relationship can thrive again or if you should go your separate ways.
While you fall in love, you always want to learn more about your special someone. Don’t lose that passion while dealing with a long-distance relationship. Push yourself to discover your partner’s likes and dislikes, and find new ways to connect and have virtual dates. Your efforts will foster a stronger foundation for your future together.
