How To Maintain Long-Distance Relationships

We are now about a month into this quarantine and it doesn’t look like we are getting out anytime soon. I don’t know about you but I am getting pretty bored and starting to miss hanging out with my friends. For some of you, you may also be missing your significant other. If it was a college relationship, we have all been sent home earlier than expected which may have caused many of you to separate for longer than you are used to. For people who are used to seeing their significant other on a regular basis, we have been in quarantine and prohibited from having close contact with people outside of our household. I know this time apart is something new and can be very difficult at times, that is why I am going to offer a few tips as to how you can help this thing survive, social-distancing friendly! 

Facetime as much as you can

Now I know this one is pretty obvious, but it is the one that matters the most. Texting and calling are cool, but there is nothing like seeing your significant other’s face. If they cannot be in your presence, physically, the second best thing is to at least be able to see them. Make it a habit to facetime your partner at least once a day to have a meaningful, intentional conversation to avoid plateauing in your journey. Whether you are together, dating or in the early stages, it is important that you never stop learning about your partner. What they like and do not are pretty superficial things you learn very quickly but what about their fears and insecurities? These are things that cannot be discovered through staring at each other as you all do different things on your own. You are probably asking, “Why can’t we just text about this?” and the answer is no. Emotions cannot be conveyed through messages and conversations are much more meaningful in real time, face-to-face. You must make time to continually get to know the person, support them and never stop growing in the relationship. 

Do things together (but separately of course!)

This doesn’t have to be anything too extravagant but you can stay connected through the little things. You can watch a movie together and text your thoughts as the movie goes along or you can both try reading a new book and talk about what you liked and learned after every chapter. This should not be anything that is forced either. Find something that the both of you enjoy and bond over it. New movie just released on Netflix that you never had the opportunity to see in the theaters? Watch it together! New season of your favorite TV show just started? Obsess over it together! Whatever you do, make it something you actually want to do so that you can stay consistent and it will not feel like a chore.

Daily recaps

Being in separate places and not seeing each other everyday can cause a strain on any relationship. On top of having those meaningful conversations every day it is important to talk about the small things too so that you all stay connected and up to date on each other’s lives. Every evening, try to just talk about each other’s days. What was good, what was bad, what was challenging and what brought you satisfaction. Our lives change very frequently and it is crucial that through all of these changes, our partners do not fall behind. 

Set clear rules and boundaries 

How we act and what we do in a relationship is very important when doing things long distance. It is important that you set expectations early so that you do not run into issues later. Being that you are far apart and away from each other for long periods of time, it would be extremely beneficial to lay the ground rules from the start for the best chance at success!

Write a physical letter or send a care package 

There is nothing better than receiving a surprise in the mail. Whether it be a letter, a care package or a lavish gift if you’re in a giving mood, it’s always the thought that counts and anything from a significant other will make someone’s day. Especially when it is unexpected, that gift is a symbol of your appreciation for them and lets them know that you are thinking about them even during your time apart. 

Whether you try all 5 of these tips or just 1, it is important that you continue to make an added effort to support and grow your relationship during this quarantine. Just because you cannot be together physically does not mean things have to be paused. Time apart only builds character and requires you to continually trust your partner. You can still further your relationships from afar and come out of this pandemic even stronger than you were when you went into it. Comment below some of the tips you hope to try and even some things that were not mentioned that work well in your relationship!

xoxo,

LD