How to Stay Connected When You’re In a Long Distance Relationship
Couples in a long distance relationship face several challenges. Being apart can put a strain on your relationship, especially if you’re already struggling, but being away from one another doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. A study from 2018 conducted by KIIROO concluded that long distance relationships have a 58 percent success rate. There can be a lot of positive sides to long distance relationships, and a lot of couples even take the opportunity to strengthen their bond through distance. There are ways you and your loved one can make sure you’re making the most of your time apart, and pick up right where you left off when you’re reunited.
Schedule Phone Dates
Think of this as your date night. Some couples need a date night every week, some once per month, but regardless, you make it a point to spend uninterrupted time together. It should be the same when you’re long distance. Scheduling a regular phone or video call is a vital part of staying connected. Depending on your circumstances, you may not be able to have a set weekly phone call, but making an effort to schedule a call every couple of days or weeks can make a world of difference in how connected you feel. This call should take priority over everything else— obviously, sometimes work or life will get in the way— but you shouldn’t cancel your call for other plans if you can avoid it. Make sure you’re in a quiet place, away from distractions and have at least an hour to spend together. If you have trouble thinking of things to talk about, try keeping a note of random things that happen throughout your day that you can tell your partner about. Regardless of how long you talk or how often, making time together a top priority will go a long way in keeping you feeling close and connected.
Plan Your Next Visit
Knowing that you’re going to see your love soon is like the light at the end of the tunnel. If you’re able to make a trip out to see one another, you should make that a priority. Look up fun things to do together in a new city, and plan out activities. Have your SO take you to all their favorite restaurants, or places in their town. Try not to schedule TOO much fun though, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of down time to just chill out and reconnect. Planning a visit also gives you something to look forward to and focus on if you’re going through a rough patch or just feeling down. Having an end goal in sight, even if it’s temporary, will keep you feeling strong enough to keep pushing on.
Send Some Mail
Yes, like actual mail. With a stamp. It’s a fun, super personal way to stay engaged. A postcard from a trip to the zoo with your niece, or a love letter you wrote one night after a little extra wine are really special ways to let your other half know that they’re on your mind, that you miss them, and that you’re trying to keep them up to date on what’s going on in your life. These special keepsakes are something you can hold on to and reflect upon when this phase of your relationship passes.
Share a Hobby
When you’re together, it’s likely that you both do things you enjoy together, like watching movies, playing a sport or going for a hike. Though you may not be in the same room, you can still do similar things together.
- Read the same book. Take notes on what stood out to you, and discuss it during your regularly scheduled call.
- Watch a TV Series together. Or re-watch your favorite show! How long has it been since you guys watched The Office? If you’re able to, set a time every night to watch an episode and text/call during it so it’s like you’ve watched it together.
- Play the same video game. If this is something you both enjoy anyway, why not play the same game so you have another way to keep in touch?
- Try a new recipe. Picking out something new and interesting together, and Facetiming, while you cook, is so much fun, almost like you’re living under one roof again!
Regardless of what you choose to do, you and your partner can stay engaged, connected and excited about spending time together if you have something in common to share.
Surviving a long distance relationship is totally doable. While it may be hard sometimes, you can definitely make it through if you work together to stay connected and engaged. It will take some creativity and sacrifice, but you and your significant other will come out stronger and better for it. Scheduling your phone calls, making plans for a visit, sending mail, and sharing hobbies are really easy ways to stay engaged, and keep your love very much alive.
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