Most of us wouldn’t even think about starting a long-distance relationship, wouldn’t we? I live in the city, so my version of a long-distance relationship is dating someone from the suburbs. But as life goes on, there are times when you don’t have much choice. Even more so when you meet someone with whom you connect on a completely different level.
You feel like you’d do anything to make it all work with them, even if that means thinking about a long-distance relationship. As the saying goes, being away from someone makes you miss them more. The romantic part of me thinks that being apart also makes the heart grow fonder.
Even though it hurts not to be able to see your partner anytime you want to or share your highs and lows with them, isn’t it all worth it when you eventually get to see them? No one said it’d be easy, only that it would be worth the waiting and wanting.
Most of the time, people will try to talk you out of a long-distance relationship by telling you that it will only end in heartbreak. That mustn’t be the case if both people are willing to do the work and are ready for all the challenges.
Clear and concise communication
Communication, especially clear and direct communication, is the foundation of any relationship, whether romantic or not. You and your partner must talk to each other and say what you think about everything. If something your partner does bothers you, don’t hold it in. Talk about how you feel and what you think. This doesn’t mean you need to text each other all the time!
Creating ground rules
Okay, I know this may sound like a lot, but it’s important to set rules that will collaborate for your relationship. By “ground rules,” we mean making decisions about things like texting, video calling, and even being exclusive. For example, many long-distance relationships work because both people are free to be sexual with other people. This is called an “open relationship.” Even though this may not help most people, it does help some.
Plan for Virtual Date Nights
We can’t say enough about how important date nights are. Date nights are important for every relationship because they remind both people how much they care for one another. But how do you have date nights when you live far away? Hello, technology! Virtual dates can also be a lot of fun. Thanks to modern new tech, we have stuff like Netflix Party that makes it easy AF to go to the movies with friends. Alternatively, you may dress up, visit a restaurant, and have a virtual date with your lover.
Try to maintain a sexy, hot atmosphere.
Did you truly think that this one wouldn’t be on the list? Keeping things hot is one of the most important things in a long-distance relationship. Sex is an important part of every relationship, and it’s often the reason why LDRs end. Keeping the fire alive makes the whole thing so much more exciting. You should be sending one another sexy pictures and starting some dirty talk now and then.
Recognize that your life doesn’t revolve near them.
Most people in long-distance relationships live in different continents, countries, or cities. This means you’ll do your best to talk to them all the time and keep in touch with them. Do you not think that’s going too far? When you’re an independent person in a healthy relationship, it’s important to realize that your life doesn’t revolve around your partner. This means you shouldn’t change plans to talk to your partner but instead try to find something you both agree on.
Plan a trip together
People say you don’t know someone until you plan a trip with them. Taking a vacation with your partner to a dreamy place is the ultimate #CoupleGoal, but waiting for this vacation to happen is the best part. Isn’t it awesome? To plan a trip while you’re both far away so you can both look forward to something special?
Swap Your Belongings
Nothing is cuter than taking your partner’s clothes or stuff and keeping it for yourself. I said it! Even though they aren’t physically there, having a piece of them with you makes you feel very safe. It’s a sign that they’ll be there for you no matter what. Also, ladies, do any of your clothes fit you better than the ones your partner wears? I doubt it!
Don’t ever lose hope.
No matter how cliche it sounds, all you need is faith and hope in your relationship and the love you share. Love is a strong feeling that can make magic happen. On some days, it may seem hard to keep going. But all you need to do is remind yourself how much you care about your partner and appreciate being around them. Faith can’t be broken.