Mark Greene
Ways to Maintain a Long-Distance Relationship
We are going to start by saying that we know long-distance relationships aren’t for everyone. In fact, they often aren’t the first choice for the people actually in a long-distance relationship. However, circumstances change, and rather than throw in the towel, you know when someone is worth waiting for. Check out our six simple ways to maintain a long-distance relationship.
Set Ground Rules
From the beginning, both partners need to be open about what to expect out of your relationship. For example, the dynamic won’t work if one of you assumes you’re exclusive and the other has different ideas. Long-distance relationships require a high level of trust, but that trust is best channeled into the version of the relationship you both believe in.
Set date nights
You might not be in the same city or even time zone, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t still do things together. Today, you can watch a movie together on Netflix and order the exact same takeout, all while sitting on different couches in different states. Get creative about your date nights to make it fun and continue creating memories together. Some ideas could include:
- Online gin tasting with Airbnb Experiences
- Taking a course together
- Online gaming
- Going on a virtual tour of iconic locations
- Cooking together
Make recommendations
What things do you and your partner have in common? Do you like the same movies, TV shows or books? Make recommendations, and then ensure to follow through so that you’ll have more to talk about the next time you’re on a video call. Discussions need to be deeper than how much you miss each other or amorous flirtations.
Send unexpected gifts
Gifts don’t need to be elaborate or pricey. In fact, we recommend that you focus on intimacy rather than expense. For example, you can get beautiful flowers shipped just because it’s Tuesday or send dinner that you can both cook together. Think about giving unexpected surprises now and again.
Stoke the spark
Speaking of flirtation, sexual tension is a fantastic thing, and the delayed gratification can be mind-blowing for when you are actually together. Nudge the boundaries a little, and you might find that you can find out more about your partner’s fantasies and desires from afar than you would from the same bed. Not every communication needs to be sexual, but we all want to know we’re desired.
Make plans
Ideally, never leave each other without making at least a tentative commitment to seeing each other again. Saying goodbye is always gut-wrenching, but the feeling is somewhat eased knowing that the clock is already counting down to when you’ll be together again. Otherwise, it all starts to feel futile, which is when long-distance relationships can quickly crumble.
Maintaining a long-distance relationship takes commitment and responsibility from both people to be romantic and make things work. Relationships come in all types, but you need to focus on each other and make your limited interactions count.
