Have you ever found yourself in a long distance relationship? If so, you know how challenging it can be to stay connected with your partner and maintain a strong and healthy relationship despite the distance. Whether you're separated by work, college, or other reasons, navigating the distance can be tough, but it's not impossible.
When I was doing an Erasmus program, Miguel and I had to do long-distance for a while. I moved to Valencia to study for 6 months, while he was all the way in Portugal. It was definitely a tough time in our relationship, but we were determined to make it work. We knew that we had to come up with some strategies to keep the quality of our relationship as strong as possible, despite the kilometers between us. And so, we got to work to figure out what we could do to stay connected and keep our love alive.
So, if you're in a long distance relationship or thinking about starting something new with someone that is not living close to you, I totally feel you. I've been there, and I want to share some tips that helped me keep the fire burning in my long distance relationship. So, keep reading!!
Aligning expectations
Before you jump into a long distance relationship, it's important to set some ground rules with your partner. In my experience, this conversation is not always easy to have, but it's necessary to make sure both of you are on the same page. Before Miguel and I officially began our long distance journey, we had a serious talk about what we expected from each other and the relationship. We discussed how often we wanted to communicate, what methods we would use to maintain intimacy, and what our long-term goals were. It was definitely a challenging conversation to have, but we knew that it would help us avoid misunderstandings and ensure that we were both committed to making it work.
One thing that was great about having this conversation was that it gave us a chance to be completely open and honest with each other. We could talk about our worries and dreams for the future without holding back. And honestly, that action of daydreaming together felt we were more close and secure in the relationship.
Talking Through the Miles
As someone who has been in a long distance relationship, I can't stress enough how important communication is. When you're miles away from your partner, talking regularly becomes the glue that holds your relationship together. So, make it a priority to set aside time each day or week to chat with your partner. You can use video chat, phone calls or even text messages.
But remember, communication isn't just about serious talks and FaceTime calls. You gotta keep it fun and lighthearted too! Me and Miguel always share funny memes and TikToks to keep the laughs going, and it has become our own unique love language. Also, playing online games or watching movies together through streaming services can totally help you bond, despite the distance.
Another way to keep the romance alive is to plan virtual date nights! Set a time and date to have dinner together over video chat. It may not be the same as a physical date, but it can still be just as romantic.
Keep in mind, staying connected is vital in any relationship, but it's even more crucial in a long distance one. By putting in some extra effort, you can keep your LDR thriving and going strong!
The Power of Future Plans
The distance between you two is miles apart, making it difficult to maintain the closeness that comes with traditional relationships. But don’t worry, there's a secret weapon that will keep your bond strong: planing the future.
You might be thinking, "What's the point in making plans when we can't even be together right now?" Well, having something to look forward to can do wonders for your relationship. It's like a glimpse of hope! Maybe you're planning a future visit or talking about eventually traveling together. Whatever it is, having a goal to work towards can keep you both feeling positive and motivated.
Let me tell you about my long distance love story with Miguel. We knew we had to come up with a plan to keep our love alive, so we decided to meet up every month in a different country. And surprise surprise, it was the best decision ever!!!
Whenever we were feeling the distance between us, we would hold on to the excitement of our upcoming trip. It was like a light at the end of the tunnel. We never had to wonder when we would see each other again because we already had it all planned out. This kept us motivated and gave us something to look forward to.
And the best part? Planning these trips together brought us even closer. We'd have long conversations about where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. We even had calls dedicated just to planning our trips! It was a way for us to connect and dream together, even when we were miles apart.
In the end, our monthly trips helped us get through the toughest parts of our long distance relationship. It gave us something to hold on to and kept our love thriving. So, if you're in a long distance relationship, don't let the distance get you down. Get creative and start making some plans for the future with your partner. Who knows, it might just be the thing that keeps your love alive.
Lessons in Patience
One advice: Prepare for the ROLLERCOASTER!! Some days you're on top of the world, feeling so in love and grateful for technology that allows you to stay connected. Other days, you're struggling to hold back tears as you miss your partner so much it hurts. In my own experience, the key to making it work has been to cultivate patience and understanding.
It's not always easy to be patient, especially when you're feeling lonely or disconnected. But reminding myself that my partner is doing their best, just like I am, helps me stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture. It's not about the distance, it's about the love we share and the commitment we've made to each other.
Being understanding is also essential in a long distance relationship. It's easy to jump to conclusions or get frustrated when communication is limited, but taking a step back and trying to see things from your partner's perspective can make all the difference. It's okay to have disagreements or different ways of handling things, but at the end of the day, it's important to work together to find a solution that works for both of you.
And trust me, when we do finally get to be together in person, it's all worth it - every missed hug, every virtual date, every moment of uncertainty. Because at the end of the day, we're in this together and we're committed to making it work, no matter what.
Conclusion:
Being in love across time zones can be tough, but it doesn't mean you have to put your life on hold. At first, I found myself constantly wanting to talk to Miguel, to the point where I was neglecting my own needs and interests. But eventually, I realized that I needed to take care of myself if I wanted to maintain a healthy and happy relationship. I made sure to set aside time for activities and hobbies that brought me joy and that allowed me to be creative alone.
Don’t forget that it’s important to have a support system outside of your relationship too. While your partner may be your go-to person for emotional support, having a group of friends or family members who understand and can offer advice is invaluable. When I was feeling down or struggling with the distance, I found comfort in talking to my close friends and family members.
Of course, it's important to remember that taking care of yourself does not mean neglecting your partner or the relationship. It simply means finding a balance between your own needs and the needs of the relationship. So, don't forget to prioritize self-care and surround yourself with positive people who have your best interests at heart. You got this!
Sending you all my love,
