Many people assume that a long distance relationship can’t work over time. This means that once you’re in such a situation, you’re often stuck in a corner: your family or friends may discourage you from continuing or advise you not to get too emotionally involved, so you don’t come out of it heartbroken.
It’s obvious that this is far from being an easy thing to do. I can guarantee you that after more than three years of a long distance relationship, I have a thorough understanding. The miles between lovers make a lot of everyday things much more complicated. With Long Distance Dating, if you can’t accept the nature of the relationship, it causes a lot of sadness and loneliness.
But it’s not all bad either. This geographical distance allows you to appreciate the interactions you can have with your partner much better. We cherish these little things that allow us to continue to live a real life as a couple despite the miles.
In order to help you live this challenge as good as possible, here are 7 Tips for those Keeping it Real and Lasting with a long distance relationship:
- Communicate regularly: Maintaining open and regular communication is key in a long-distance relationship. It helps to stay connected and informed about each other’s lives, and it can also be a great way to alleviate any feelings of loneliness or isolation. Whether it’s through phone calls, text messages, or video chats, make sure to set aside time each day to talk with your partner.
- Set realistic expectations: Long distance relationships require a lot of trust, patience, and understanding. It’s important to set realistic expectations for when you will be able to see each other, and to be honest about any challenges that may arise. This can help to prevent any disappointment or frustration in the relationship.
- Plan visits: One of the best ways to keep the spark alive in a long distance relationship is to plan regular visits. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a longer vacation, make sure to set aside time to be together in person. This can help to strengthen your bond and make the distance feel less overwhelming.
- Find ways to stay connected: Even when you’re not able to be together in person, there are still ways to stay connected. Share photos, videos, and messages throughout the day. Look for other opportunities to have shared activities as a reason to connect, like start a book or movie club together. You can also try doing things together, like watching a movie at the same time and discussing it afterwards.
- Make the most of the time apart: While being apart can be difficult, it can also be an opportunity to grow as individuals. Take advantage of the time apart by pursuing your own interests, building new friendships, and developing your career. This can help to make the relationship stronger in the long run. Remember to share what you are doing with your significant other, and keep them in the loop about your successes and what it mean for the both of you.
- Keep the romance alive: Just because you’re in a long distance relationship doesn’t mean the romance has to fade away. Send your partner thoughtful messages, small gifts, or plan a surprise visit. These little gestures can help to keep the spark alive and remind your partner that they are loved and missed. Don’t be afraid to be bold. Try a live video stream and share some intimacy that way (you may have to read between the lines here).
- Trust and support each other: Trust and support are essential in any relationship, but they are even more important in a long distance relationship. Trust your partner to be faithful and true to their word, and be willing to support them through any challenges that may arise. Remember that a long distance relationship requires a lot of effort and commitment, but with trust, support, and a little bit of patience, anything is possible.
In conclusion, maintaining a long distance relationship can be a challenging, but also a rewarding experience. It probably should be said that having a planned period for this distance ending at some point should be a consideration and it should be capped off with a reward at the end. Consider what the long-term plans might be after the agreed upon timeframe, will you eventually move together or nearer to each other? Providing a little incentive can make the distance and time worth the effort.
With these tips in mind, and a whole lot of discipline, you can navigate the unique challenges of long distance dating and build a strong, lasting relationship.
