Tips for Long Distance Relationships

With the world being so small nowadays, more and more people are doing long distance relationships for all sorts of reasons. Whether a couple is from different cities or countries, they have visa issues or are forced to go away for work or school, there are endless reasons why a couple would have to be in separate places and apart for any amount of time. Sometimes circumstances just creep up on you and all of a sudden you’re in a long distance relationship.

And they are hard work. Take my word for it. I was lucky enough to marry my husband who is from New Zealand, the farthest possible country from the States where I’m from, but that doesn’t mean the long distance we had to endure before the wedding wasn’t tough. But it can be done. Here’s what I found helped me get through the lonely nights and keep my head held high.    

Don’t leave one another without knowing when you’ll see each other next. It makes it that much easier to say goodbye when you know the next time you’re going to see your other half. Have your plane ticket booked in advance for the next visit. Otherwise the thought of the unknown will tear at your heart and make it far harder to say goodbye than it has to be.

Make Skype or phone dates as much as possible. Every day would be ideal, but I know life get busy and this isn’t always possible. Try to aim for a few times a week if you can. Also, emails throughout the day help each person know you’re thinking about one another and help to keep the love alive. 

With that being said, keep yourself busy. Don’t spend your life by the phone waiting for your other half to call. That’s why setting Skype dates are good, so you know when to be home and you aren’t constantly thinking about when you’re going to get to talk next. Get out in the world, spend time with friends and do things that make you happy. Don’t make your partner your entire life, because if you do then you’ll become very lonely without him or her by your side.

Keep the romance alive. Surprise your partner by sending flowers, chocolates, or a hand-written letter. Sending flowers to your partner’s work is always a nice gesture. An even better surprise would be to show up yourself, but I know this isn’t always possible depending on how far apart you are. 

Say “I love you” often. When you don’t get the physical contact of a normal relationship, or shall I say non-long distance relationship, words mean so much more. Don’t forget to tell one another how you feel and express your thoughts and concerns. Communication is key, and since you can’t read body language over the phone or email, stay honest with one another to keep the love alive.

Don’t make the long distance last forever. Whatever the reason is that led you to have to be apart from one another, whether the relationship started out that way or not, don’t let it last too long. I know this isn’t always possible depending on the circumstance, but long distance relationships can put a lot of strain on the relationship and it’s best to have a date in mind when you can finally be together for once and for all. 

I hope this advice helps you along the way with your long distance relationship. When things get tough just remember the reasons why you love each other and that it will all be worth it in the end. Hopefully the distance between you and your loved one shortens and you can be together again soon and enjoy being in each other’s arms once again.