Four Crucial Things You Must Do To Survive A Long Distance Relationship
If you’re in the unfortunate position of having to maintain a long distance relationship, then you’ll probably be expecting it to take quite a toll on you both and to test how much you really want to be with each other.
Being in a long distance relationship is hard and it certainly does test your resolve, but it’s also key to remember that you already have something great going for you: the very fact that you’re trying shows that you must care a lot, and this means it’s very likely to all be worth it in the end.
And while maintaining a relationship over a long distance does take some extra work, there are a few things you can do that will certainly make it easier.
1. Maintain Constant Contact
Maintaining frequent contact is the single most important thing to do to ensure your relationship lasts across the distance. If you’re in a relationship, it only makes sense to be talking to your partner in some way, shape, or form on most days.
This might mean that you choose to call each other for half an hour before bed every night, or it might mean that you call each other every day and text a lot inbetween.
Such constant contact will ensure you both know what’s going on in each other’s lives and help you feel close. When you talk, you won’t feel the need to catch up. You’ll be able to talk candidly about whatever’s on your mind.
Even across the miles, you’ll still be a big part of each other’s lives.
2. Make Room For Your Relationship
Sometimes, you may have to take a rain check on that before bed phone call, and that’s okay. It will help ensure that neither of you feels smothered by the other one.
Even so, it’s important to make an effort to commit to the call as often as you can. Otherwise, you’ll find yourselves growing more distant.
Recognize that you may have to move some things aside in order to make way for this relationship. Whether that means going out with friends a little less or quitting a hobby is up to you, but you will need to prioritize.
A relationship should take up your time, and that’s no different whether it’s long distance or not.
3. Be Fun And Spontaneous
Just because you’re not near each other doesn’t mean you can’t do fun and memorable things. You just have to be more creative.
Perhaps you could have a romantic long distance date night where you each get dressed up and cook the same meal to enjoy with each other at the same time. Maybe you could watch a film at the same time or meet in virtual reality. Or perhaps you could make a surprise visit or send a surprise gift.
Whatever you decide to do together, the important thing is that you do something. Make memories and keep things exciting, so you grow together.
And when you do get the chance to visit in person… make sure you go!
4. Be Realistic
Remember that every time you meet your partner in a long distance relationship, you’ll most likely treat the occasion as special and make more effort to do nice things. Try to remember that this isn’t what a relationship is like when you live near each other or when you live together.
Sometimes it’s important to try and experience a bit of ‘normality’ together, so how about spending a weekend doing nothing special, but doing it together?
A long distance relationship can survive and even thrive. Take the time you need for each other and work in characteristics of the relationship you would have if you were closer to each other’s location. You might not be closer in miles, but you’ll be closer in your hearts.