9 Tips to Make Your Long-Distance Relationship Work

Long-distance relationships aren’t easy. They require a great deal of effort from both partners, and if you don’t set some ground rules, your relationship can easily fizzle out as your attention turns elsewhere.

That being said, long-distance relationships can be extremely rewarding and full of love if both people are committed to making it work. Here are some top tips if you’re in a long-distance relationship and are looking for some inspiration to help your fledgling romance thrive.

Set some ground rules

You and your partner need to begin by setting some ground rules for your long-distance relationship. When you don’t see your partner every day, you need to ensure you’re both on the same page and understand what you want from the relationship. Misunderstandings are often more difficult to overcome in long-distance relationships, so setting some ground rules will help you and your partner get what you need from one another.

Agree on how and when to communicate

Communication is super important for every relationship. But it’s even more crucial if you don’t see your partner regularly. If you’re in a different part of the world from your loved one, you should agree on how best to communicate, whether it’s through a messaging app like WhatsApp, as well as how regularly you should keep in touch. While you might not be able to schedule every call and message, setting some expectations in regard to communication will ensure you both keep in touch regularly.

Plan virtual date nights

Just because you’re not able to go on actual dates together, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make the effort to schedule date nights. Virtual date ideas like watching movies or sharing your favourite takeaway while on Zoom or FaceTime can be just as romantic as meeting up in person. What’s more, feeling as if you’re actually doing something together, even when there’s a distance between you, is so important when it comes to building memories and getting to know one another better.

Talk about your future together

When you’re in a long-distance relationship, you need to talk about your future together. Whether it’s certain things that you will do together when you next meet up, or perhaps even planning your future life together with a shared home or even kids, planning the future will motivate you both to work even harder to make your relationship work. If you’re able to visualise a happy future with your long-distance partner, it will be easier to manage the current distance between you.

Make the most of your time together

This might seem like an obvious thing to say, but when you have the chance to actually physically be with your partner, make sure you make the most out of your time together! When you’re about to meet up, try and develop a positive mindset and leave any issues or problems you have aside. The last thing you want to do is sit and complain to your partner when you haven’t seen them for so long, so try and keep things positive so you’re able to enjoy your time together.

Don’t blame the distance for how your relationship is

Often, people use the fact that they’re in a long-distance relationship as an excuse for things being as they are. For instance, lack of effort on birthdays and special occasions is often blamed on the distance, but it shouldn’t be! There’s no excuse in any type of relationship for a lack of effort from either partner, so if things aren’t working out as you would have hoped, be sure to talk to your partner about it directly. If you avoid talking about it and just use the distance between you as an excuse, you will only end up growing even further apart.

Surprise visits are ALWAYS a great idea

If you’re able to plan a surprise visit to see your partner, do everything you can to make it happen. Why? Because he or she will appreciate it more than you could possibly imagine. Whether you can romantically join them on their commute home from work on the train, or drop by their apartment early on a Saturday morning as they’re about to begin their weekend, your partner will be delighted with the effort you’ve put in to surprise them.

Don’t neglect your sexual needs

You can quickly become sexually frustrated in a long-distance relationship, particularly for younger couples and those who have recently started dating, is the lack of activity in the bedroom!

Sex is a huge part of any relationship and you shouldn’t just neglect your sexual needs and desires because you’re not able to be together.

You can get creative when it comes to messaging one another, and even spice things up over Zoom or FaceTime. While it might seem difficult at first, you will certainly appreciate that you made the effort over time.

Support one another and empathise with your situation

Long-distance relationships are tough, there’s no getting away from it. Instead of butting heads and giving each other a hard time, be sure to support your partner and empathise with their situation. The relationship is likely to be hard for you both, so don’t make them feel bad about the way things are. Offer love and support to one another and talk about how things will be different in the future. If you’re able to support each other through the relationship when you’re not together, you will reap the rewards when you finally meet up.

Long-Distance Relationships’ Primary Causes

People may find themselves in a long-distance relationship for a variety of reasons. These are a few of the primary reasons:

  1. Education – One of the most popular justifications for a long-distance relationship is higher education. As one partner continues their education, whether it is in college, graduate school, or a professional program, many couples opt to live apart.
  2. Work – Employment prospects can cause people to relocate, which separates them from their spouses. Those in the military or employed in the oil and gas industry may find this to be particularly true.
  3. Immigration – Due to immigration regulations and visa procedures, people who fall in love but are from different countries may have to spend a lot of time apart.
  4. Family – Residing in multiple places may be necessary for people with family responsibilities, such as looking after elderly or ill relatives.
  5. Personal Preferences – Some marriages end in divorce because one partner wants to retain their independence or pursue personal interests.
  6. Online Dating – Long-distance relationships have increased as a result of the popularity of online dating since it allows people to interact with others who live far away and form close emotional bonds before meeting in person.

It is important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that long-distance relationships can be difficult, they can still be fruitful and successful with adequate communication and effort from both sides.

Benefits of Long-Distance Relationships

1. You will value your partner more

You may come to respect your lover a bit more as a result of long-distance relationships. Couples frequently take each other for granted when they are together. But, when you are separated by distance, the relationship may grow even more as you become more empathetic and take a closer look at your partner’s excellent traits.

2. You will appreciate the time

Time spent with a loved one becomes more valuable. Long-distance relationships increase the value and memory of the time spent together. You usually concentrate on talking about the most significant topics. Since the connection is no longer far in the future, this aids in stronger bonding.

3. You will have more effective communication options

A couple that lives apart from one another relies only on phone and video conversations for contact. There will be less time for communication as well. So, all of the needs and desire you have during the day may help you in your quest to communicate more effectively. Making the most of the circumstance by communicating becomes a priority because a long-distance relationship has its drawbacks.

4. You have time to reflect on yourself

When you are separated by thousands of miles, you come to appreciate your time together more. Although it is simpler to discuss these topics over the phone, you might also have greater clarity on your own sentiments and emotions as a result. Being in a long-distance relationship may really aid your independence.

5. You will develop patience

Many people believe that having patience is a virtue that will make life easier. Long-distance relationships help you develop patience, kindness, and self-control. It needs time to work correctly. Learning to be tolerant and patient in the face of circumstances that are beyond one’s control is one thing that never changes in a healthy relationship.

6. You will put in more effort to maintain your relationship

You can obtain innovative suggestions on how to spice up an uninteresting relationship. Preparing a surprise may be enjoyable.

7. On upcoming obligations, clarification will be obtained

Relationships with a long-distance partner can be evaluated for their level of love and loyalty. This might help you comprehend your responsibilities moving ahead and act as a sobering reality check on the status of your relationship. Most importantly, it shows you the energy and power of your partnership.

8. Individual Growth

You and your partner are separated, which forces uniqueness. Being in close proximity to one another every day causes personality and behavior to synchronize for many couples (but not all). It is hard to tell one personality from the other since they act so similarly, complete each other’s sentences, and do everything together. This has drawbacks even if at first glance it could look nice. There is little space for improvement, and each person’s relationship defines them. You have time to get to know yourself in a long-distance relationship. You have time to consider your particular beliefs, objectives, and persona.

Closing Thoughts

Nobody is saying that long-distance relationships are easy. They undoubtedly require a lot more effort than conventional partnerships, and it can sometimes be disheartening to be so far away from your partner when you need them the most. However, with that being said, it’s perfectly possible to have a meaningful, extremely loving long-distance relationship that will maybe even develop into marriage in the future. Hopefully, these nine tips will help you support your partner, and show you that a long-distance relationship can definitely work.