Here are some tips for long-distance relationships. All types of relationships require effort and commitment. Long-distance relationships can be draining but that does not mean they can’t work. You might even find yourself growing closer than when the relationship was not long distance.
Here are tips for long-distance relationships that will help keep things in perspective for you:
Set Ground Rules
When doing a long-distance relationship you need to be very clear about your expectations and your boundaries. Have a discussion about what you expect from each other while you’re apart. Long-distance relationships fail because of distrust. Be very clear about your commitment levels i.e. are you in an exclusive relationship or open, is it okay to go on dates. One of the tips for long-distance relationships is to ensure you set ground rules before so as to manage expectations.
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Aligned Goals
Before you embark on a long-term relationship make sure you have aligned goals. Ensure you’re on the same page to manage expectations. You can come up with long-term and short-term plans and goals. Most of the time long-distance relationships are usually temporary. If one of you sees the relationship as a permanent thing and the other a short-term issue then it could cause a problem. This is one of the most important tips of a long-distance relationship.
Is the end goal of the relationship marriage? because knowing the end goal makes the relationship much more bearable as compared to not having any plans and goals.
Prioritize your time
Depending on the nature of your long-distance relationship, different time zones can cause a strain when it comes to communication. You have to be intentional about your communication, you have to prioritize your time. Do you prefer communication at a certain time? do you prefer texts as opposed to calls? Choose a rhythm that works for you so you don’t get trapped in an inconvenient invasion of your resting time. You can opt to text if it’s a preferred mode of communication.
Honesty
Any relationship requires honesty, long-distance or not. This is a tip for long-distance relationships. You need to be honest about your feelings, don’t hide anything from your partner. If you’re insecure or jealous make sure you say it. The more honest you are, the stronger your relationship will be. You shouldn’t deal with things that are affecting you by yourself. You’ll be resentful in the long run if you’re not honest about your feelings.
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Communication
Communication is vital when it comes to any successful relationship. For long-distance relationships, communication is very essential and with the technology available you can face time or zoom. One of the tips for long-distance relationships is to communicate when need be. Your partner does not need to know every single detail of your day. In some instances, communication is better for long-distance couples because your communication is much more intentional and more cherished.
Maintain your independence & Identity
It’s very crucial to maintain your independence and identity when in a long-distance relationship. Long-distance relationships require a lot of sacrifices but make sure you don’t sacrifice who you are in the process. Don’t let it consume you and dictate every aspect of your life. Don’t lose out on spending time with your friends and family in the name of your relationship.
Make the most of your life, where you are right now. Get a hobby, learn something new. Do not put your life on hold simply because your partner is far away. Make sure your life goes on as it would. Do not sacrifice more than you should. This is one of the very important tips for long-distance relationships. Do not have any regrets about your life if the relationship does not work.
Overcommunication
To avoid communication fatigue, you can limit your communication to only include relevant and necessary information. Sometimes you may need to talk about details and that’s okay however, instead of sharing daily updates you can talk about things that make you connect as a couple. It’s easy to get fatigued if you only talk about your day.
Date Night
Even long-distance relationships require date nights. With all the technology we have, you can go for date nights with your partner virtually. You can create a romantic space by both dressing up. Order takeout from a similar restaurant and drink the same wine to make the experience even better. You can light up candles and enjoy each other’s company on zoom or skype. It’s important to ensure you keep the spark and the fun in your relationship.
Sex Strategy
Sex is important in relationships. So you need to come up with a sex strategy. You can sext often to keep the fire burning in your relationship. If you want to take it a notch further you can always try sex toys. There are sex toys for couples in long-distance relationships. These may help reduce the tension. You should discuss your sex strategy and have a sexual agreement of sorts, you can agree to have phone sex weekly or every other day, and depending on how comfortable you are with your partner you can try video sex.
Surprise gifts.
Surprise gifts can be a great way of breaking the monotony. You can send your partner surprise gifts on days they don’t expect the gifts. You don’t just have to send gifts on Valentine’s day, birthdays, or special occasions. One of the tips for long-distance relationships is to maintain the element of surprise.
Switch it up
Switch things up when it comes to communication. You can send a physical letter to their address, you can send audios at random times.
Trust
Long-distance relationships can cause a strain when it comes to trust. Your mind might start to play tricks on you. Honesty helps when it comes to avoiding trust issues. Like any other relationship, trust is vital and crucial.
Support System
Long-distance relationships can be hard and difficult. They can take a toll on you, so you need a great support system. You need friends and family who you can turn to for advice, who can give you the support you need. This is a very important tip for long-distance relationships. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to and having a great support system goes a very long way.
Meetups
Always have an estimated time for your next meetup. This way you have something to look forward to. You can schedule some activities to do when you meet up.
Physical Touch
When it comes to long-distance relationships, you need to be aware of the limitations of physical touch. You can work on your emotional connection
Be Positive
Be positive while in a long-distance relationship. Find ways of celebrating your relationship. Time apart can make you appreciate and cherish each other more.
Fights
When you’re in a relationship, you’re bound to fight. When you’re fighting don’t do it via text. While texting, so many things can be misunderstood. Try and do it using phone calls or video calls. It may be difficult to communicate in person, however, you may not want to wait a couple of weeks or months to have the conversation.
Manage Expectations
While in a long-distance relationship, it may be best to manage your expectations. Your feelings may change, your goals may change. This is why it’s important to have constant conversations about your relationship goals. While in a long-distance relationship, you may want to manage your expectations and expect anything.
Self-care
You might want to have a self-care routine that can help you manage. Try Yoga, meditation or even a spa day. You can try walks in the park just to make sure your overall stress levels are low. This will help you manage all aspects of your life in a more relaxed manner including your relationship. Share self-care plans with your partner as well.
Time Limit
This is a very tough conversation that needs to be had. The long-distance relationship can’t be this way forever. You will eventually want to be close to your partner. This will give you the motivation to stay in the relationship and overcome your challenges. You need to be on the same page as your partner. So you may want to put a time limit on your relationship. Long-distance relationships can only go on for so long. You need to grow together. Set a date for when you plan to eventually move in together.