How To Keep A Long Distance Relationship Alive
Distance can make the heart grow fonder – but it can also drive some couples apart. A long distance relationship requires an ability to make compromises, good communication, emotional independence, and trust. Below are just some of the small ways in which you can keep a long distance relationship alive.
Set Boundaries
Communication is key in a long distance relationship, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to text and call one another at any time. Scheduling time to talk to one another could be necessary – this should be a time that is practical for both of you (you may be living in different time zones with different commitments, in which case you need to work around these).
If it’s still a new relationship (or if indeed you’ve never met in person) make sure to give yourself enough time before discussing grand plans of moving in together. Get to know each other thoroughly first through short-stay in-person meetings and virtual dates.
Get Creative With Virtual Dates
To enjoy more meaningful long-distance interactions, consider planning virtual dates. This could include playing an online game together, cooking separate meals together or even watching movies together (the likes of Netflix Party allows two people to stream the same movie in different locations at exactly the same time).
Send Love Letters
Love letters and virtual valentines are the traditional way of staying in touch over a long distance. Even with instant messaging and video calls, they can still be a great added way of communicating over a long distance, providing an element of surprise and possibly enabling you to get more soppy and romantic than you would in a call. You can also send each other surprise gifts or care packages with these love letters.
Focus On The Positives
When in a long distance relationship, it can feel like you’re missing out on the closeness that other couples have and that you’re having to make many sacrifices. However, when you do meet up in person, you could find that you’re much closer than the average couple. At the same, a long distance relationship allows you to focus more on yourself and pursue hobbies and personal challenges in your own time – something that only single people usually have the benefit of.
Know When You Need To Close The Distance
If a long-distance relationship isn’t working and you have the choice to close the distance, consider whether this is worthwhile. This could involve big sacrifices on either part – a partner may have to give up their job abroad or you may have to be willing to drop everything in order to move across the world and live with them. Make sure that you’re financially ready – if you’re moving to be with a partner you may need to look into a spouse visa UK and the cost of transporting belongings over. If you’re moving to another country, you may have to consider learning a new language and getting used to a new culture.
Don’t Overplan Your Time In Person
Any time you do get to spend in person shouldn’t be wasted, however you don’t want to cram in too many activities. Allowing a day of no plans could allow you to spend some spontaneous time together, which could give you more time to have conversations in person.