7 Extra-Important Tips For Surviving A Long-Distance Relationship
Going the distance? Here's what you must know to keep your relationship strong.
getty Some say distance makes the heart grow fonder, while others warn that long-distance relationships are doomed from the start. LDRs are certainly difficult — the missed calls, your different schedules, not being able to attend special events together. But they're not impossible!
What it really boils down to is how well you communicate. And with today's apps, sites, and social media platforms, couples can truly learn how to survive a long-distance relationship by staying connected and growing stronger. And the best way to do that is with these long-distance relationship tips.
Make your love from afar work and thrive with the best advice from relationship experts and must-have apps.
1. Talk every single day.
Cell phones, Skype, G-chat, Facebook — there's no excuse for not talking to your partner every single day. Whether it's a call during your lunch break or a thoughtful love note or text just saying you miss him, communicate however you can each day.
As relationship experts from online dating site Singles Warehouse explain, "The whole idea here is to continue sharing your life as much as possible so that you know what the other person is going through."
2. Make goals for each visit.
You've heard of couples who schedule sex or date nights, right? Well, this isn't much different. When you do get the chance to visit each other, make sure to set goals to use your time wisely and strengthen your relationship. There are probably so many things you want to do together in your short visit, and making goals will help you stay on track and get closer to one another.
"One weekend might be all about staying in bed to develop physical intimacy. Another might be about showing your partner the details of your everyday routine. The next visit might be about meeting local friends," says Rebecca A. Marquis, author of How To Be A Good Boyfriend: 34 Ways To Keep Her From Getting Annoying, Jealous Or Crazy.
3. Share those special moments.
Without is an app that lets you share special moments as a couple even when you're miles apart. The app lets you send photos, messages, and allows you to share love notes, lists, and calendars.
4. Be open about your sex life.
Who says you can't heat things up in the bedroom when you live in different places? Kindu: Sex Ideas for Couples will keep the passion thriving until that next visit. The app allows you to communicate openly about your sexual fantasies and keep things fresh, no embarrassment included.
Want to try a new position? Bring toys into the bedroom? It provides couples with intimacy ideas that you rate as "definitely," "no thanks," or "maybe open to discussion." The app will only reveal what you're both willing to try.
5. Video chat each day.
Just because you can't see each other every day doesn't mean you can't virtually see each other on a daily basis. Even if you're running out the door in the morning or dashing off to yoga class after dinner, a quick visual hello can go a long way in keeping the passion alive.
"The consistent visual connections build familiarity and confidence in knowing one another," explains Marquis.
6. Go on date nights even though you're apart.
7. Have an end plan.
"Long distance should be temporary," explains Singles Warehouse. "If you aren't comfortable taking those steps, then long distance isn't going to work for you — and you shouldn't be doing it."
Michelle Toglia is the sex and relationships Editor at Bustle. She loves pickles, hula hooping, and all of the monkey emojis.
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