All relationships can be difficult. But they can be even more challenging when you’re in a long-distance relationship. These arrangements require additional work, especially since you won’t have the physical intimacy that typically helps to bond/connect with partners. But if there’s one thing to know, it’s that you very much can find success with your LDR, if you — and your partner — manage it correctly. In this blog, we’ll run through some handy tips that’ll ensure your relationship lasts longer than the current physical distance that separates you.
Set Expectations
Communication is key in relationships. And by that, we don’t just mean the act of talking to one another. We mean understanding how people communicate. Some people are happy to talk all day, every day. Indeed, some people need to talk that frequently in order to keep the closeness intact. Other people are happy to talk every couple of days. If you’re going to embark on a long-distance relationship, then it’s paramount that you communicate your expectations as soon as possible. You’ll only run the risk of falling into unnecessary arguments if you don’t — a partner who likes regular communication will only grow annoyed and distant if they only hear from you every few days and you haven’t said why that’s the case.
Quality Time
Having an ongoing stream of messages, photos, and memes will help to make it feel like you’re a part of each others’ lives. But it’s also recommended to set aside periods to spend quality time together. Now, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to do that when there’s so much distance between you, but in this age of technology, there are plenty of ways! You could FaceTime or have a long phone call, or even have a video call and have a virtual movie night. And if you really want to bring the closeness, think of writing them a handwritten letter — they are always much appreciated!
Plan the Move
Long-distance relationships are manageable if there’s an endpoint in sight. You can’t stay in a long-distance relationship forever! At some point, you’ll need — and want — to be together. By planning the move, you’ll have something to look forward to, plus you’ll just be happy that you’re actively working towards being together. If your partner lives in a different country, then this process may involve exploring your visa options, such as researching a sponsor license application, to see what the process will involve. Once you’ve got the ball rolling, you’ll be counting down the days until you’re together!
Regular Visits
You have to feel sorry for people who were in long-distance relationships back in the 1700s. A trip to see their beloved would take months. Today, the world is smaller than ever before, and with flights as cheap as anything, there’s plenty of scope for taking regular trips back and forth to see each other. It’ll help to keep the spark of love alive, even if you’re only visiting for a couple of days at a time.
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