One less talked about consequence of more than a year of travel restrictions is its toll on those in long-distance relationships (LDR). Long-distance relationships already have a higher failure rate than close ones under normal circumstances, and being unable to visit your partner only compounds the problem.
But fret not, dear sleepy readers!
Though a long-distance relationship can be really challenging, it can also be an incredible experience.
Here are 9 tips on dealing with a long-distance relationship if you are in (or are planning to pursue) one.
1. Be Patient
Distance can disrupt your perception of time, especially if you and your loved one are in different time zones. At times you will have bad days, and every little thing your partner does or say can feel annoying.
When this happens, take a step back and reassess what you want out of this relationship. Be transparent with each other, and be willing to admit/accept that both of you can be wrong.
Patience and understanding are virtues that reward those who have them in abundance.
2. Reassure Your Partner
Jealousy, doubts, and insecurities can arise when you are away from your partner. Your ability to provide reassurance to your significant other can thus go a long way.
When you are physically separated from your partner, constant reassurance about how you feel for him/her is very important. Doing so will help erase doubts about whether or not the relationship will work while building trust at the same time.
Your partner will also know where they stand in your life when you give them words of reassurance. It helps to strengthen the relationship when you constantly remind them how much they mean to you.
It is the little things that count when it comes to long-distance relationships.
3. Have a Virtual Date
Being physically away from one another does not mean you cannot go on dates with each other. Keeping the relationship interesting is key to making it last, and the best way is to spice it up with something new every so often. Give virtual dating a try in place of your typical voice or video calls.
Prepare a nice set-up, just like how it would be at a restaurant. Cook a meal, pour a glass of wine, and maybe even put on something nice. This way, you can feel your partner’s presence and connection, even if only virtually.
More on date ideas here.
4. Be Thoughtful
Try to be as creative as you can with your relationship.
Things like taking your partner on a date and buying them chocolates may not seem doable, but there are still ways to compensate. A surprised care package delivered by a runner or a letter can just make your partner’s day, and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Utilizing whatever is available will allow you to show your significant other how much you truly care can, and this can mean the world to him/her.
5. Make Time to Communicate
Communication plays an important role in a long-distance relationship. Communication here refers to something broader than phone calls and text messages. It could also be addressing issues about the relationship or delving into other sensitive topics.
Being honest and transparent is also a part of communicating your feelings to your partner. Topics can include your relationship fears and doubts and the future that you envision when together.
6. Trust
Lies are one of the reasons why LDR may potentially fail and end. It is difficult to develop trust, and telling the truth may not always be easy, but it is the best option. Being honest about a bad situation can hurt your partner, but it is still better than lying to the one you love.
Having faith in your partner and the relationship can make you feel secure and positive about your relationship. Especially when dealing with LDR, having doubts can make you break your trust easily. So have trust in your partner if you truly want the relationship to work out.
7. Travel to See One Another
Doing a surprise visit for your partner is one way to survive a LDR. If you are currently working, be sure to set aside adequate time and money to pay him/her a visit. This would not only mean a lot to them, but they will appreciate your effort. It also shows how badly you want the relationship to succeed.
A long-distance relationship is tough to maintain sometimes, but when you are willing and committed, the work you put in is worth doing for your relationship to work. Make plans to see each other as frequently as possible, taking into account the various constraints.
You will not regret this!
8. Be Committed
Make sure that you are willing to commit before investing all your time and energy into a LDR. It may sound romantic in the beginning, but LDR is really hard especially if you have never experienced being apart for long stretches of time. There will be times when you will doubt yourself and wonder if you made the right decision.
By failing to prepare, you are just preparing to fail.
9. Try Your Best to Stay Connected
Modern technology has made long-distance communications easier now than ever. Messages, FaceTime, and video calls are just a few of the tools that you can use to stay in contact with your significant other.
There is, therefore, no excuse to neglect your partner even if you are busy.
