Whether you went from living in the same city to living apart, or you met online and have always lived apart, long-distance relationships are hard. In addition to the problems that plague normal relationships, long-distance relationships (aka “LDRs”) have a whole added set of struggles, as you and your partner try to balance prioritizing your connection to each other with building or maintaining a separate life in a different place. many couple’s relationships are able to thrive despite the distance.
Here are some practical and creative tips to keep your long-distance love alive:
- Make “Plans”
Scheduling things like a virtual movie date or other “distance-friendly” activities can add some normalcy to your relationship. Plus, putting things on the calendar will give you something to look forward to during a long week. Even if you can’t be together in person, it’s important to keep up the tradition of date night when you are long-distance! You could even schedule a sexy FaceTime sesh… wink wink.
- Embrace Snail Mail
It’s super fun to embrace things like letter writing as a form of communication. Letter-writing got long-distance couples through periods of distance for decades and even centuries, so what’s the harm in giving it a shot? Send your partner a romantic letter (or a steamy one!).
- Stay Busy
Instead of wallowing in the fact that you and your partner are apart, find activities to do so that you can stay busy in your free time. Or, pour yourself into work or school so that your time spent apart can be super productive. Keeping yourself busy with academics, work or even a new social life can help you stay positive and avoid dwelling on your long-distance situation.
- Plan Trips
A great way to help you through the distance in an LDR is to plan periodic trips together. Try visiting your partner in the city they live in or host them where you live. Showing each other your respective lives will help you both feel more connected even when you are apart. Meeting friends, seeing where they work, visiting their favorite coffee shop can help you contextualize their life and feel more a part of it even when you are not with them.
- Don’t Force Reunification
While there needs to be an end in sight for your long-distance status, it’s important not to force reunification. If you both give up everything to move somewhere together, you risk putting too much stress on yourself and your relationship.
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