Long Distance Relationships: Keeping the Spark Alive From Afar

There are no two ways about it: long-distance relationships are challenging and require a lot of effort. All that said, couples who are committed to making it work can absolutely overcome the obstacles associated with these situations. In fact, some relationships may even become stronger after a period of distance. For some people, this separation can encourage deeper trust, more effective communication, and a greater level of appreciation for one another. If you and your partner are about to go long-distance, this guide has all the tips and tricks you need to keep the romance alive in your relationship.

Maintain an Open Line of Communication

Communication is an integral part of any relationship, and it's more important than ever for couples who spend a lot of time apart. Even if you talk every day, it's pretty much impossible to know the ins and outs of your other half's life when you're not living in the same place.

Distance makes it hard to maintain the same emotional connection you usually have, meaning you'll sometimes need to push yourself to share your feelings and thoughts more. Fortunately, this can help with your communication as a couple in the long run, including when you're back in the same place.

Check In With Each Other Every Day

You more than likely checked in with your partner every day, even if you didn't live together before you moved to different cities. This is certainly something you should keep up while apart, but you'll need to figure out ways to make it work for both of your lifestyles. Spending hours a day on the phone with each other isn't necessary and often isn't healthy for either of you. It's best to strike a balance between being there for one another each day without becoming overly reliant on your phone. 

Utilize Technology

Technology has made things so much easier for anyone with a loved one living far away, and it's probably the most useful tool for you and your partner to stay connected. Beyond phone calls and text messaging, technology also allows you to enjoy virtual date nights with your long-distance love. Video calling makes it possible to do everyday things together, like watching a movie or series, cooking a meal, or having a gaming night. While it can't replace in-person dates, it's the next best thing that will tide you over until your next meet-up.

Keep Your Expectations Realistic and Manageable

Even if you're both devoted to one another and secure in your relationship, finding the distance and adjustment difficult is completely normal. Give yourself some time to get used to this new way of living, regardless of whether it's only short-term or not. Being realistic with your expectations is central to making this transition period easier. Accept that there can be some days when one of you might not have time to talk on the phone or that you may not be able to visit one another once a month as you had hoped. Staying positive is a must, but you also need to be pragmatic.

Make Sure You Always Have Plans in Place for Your Next Meet-up

We all need something to look forward to, and the same goes for you as a couple. This is especially true for couples who don't get much time together. Each time you get ready to say your goodbyes, ensure you already know when you'll see each other next. Even if there are longer stretches than either of you would like between your get-togethers, having a date in place makes the time in between much more manageable. Decide on whose place you'll be staying at, or better yet, meet somewhere in the middle now and again and turn it into a vacation!

Don't Underestimate the Importance of Trust

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, but you'll likely be even more aware of this when you and your other half spend most of your time apart. While the separation can build your trust in one another, this isn't the case for all couples. If one or both of you are doubtful of the other, it can lead to a host of problems for your relationship. A lack of trust can manifest itself in various ways, including controlling behavior, possessiveness, and heightened insecurities. These issues can present themselves in any relationship, but they're often harder to work through when you're both in different places.

Be Transparent About Your Plans for the Future

For any long-distance couple, the ultimate goal should be to eventually be together. If that's not where you see the relationship going, it might be time to reevaluate whether this situation is right for you. In most situations, you or your partner may need to make some sacrifices along the way to ensure this happens. Unless one of you is willing to make a move to the other's city or you both decide to move somewhere entirely different together, it's not likely that your plans for the future will align.

Don't Lose Sight of Your Other Commitments

Work, college, and other opportunities are typically the reasons why many people end up in long-distance relationships in the first place. When things get tough, you might begin to question if making the move was worth it. However, it's essential to remember the reason why you or your partner relocated or ended up in a different city in the first place. You may feel like throwing it all away to be with your significant other, but this isn't a decision you should be taking lightly. Keep in mind that you'll need to live with your choice if the relationship doesn't work out further down the line.

Don't Let Distance Get In the Way of Your Relationship

No matter what has separated you and your partner, it's imperative to accept that distance can be hard on your relationship. Having said that, if you're both dedicated to one another and are willing to work hard together, there's no reason why you can't make it over this hurdle.