Introduction
Long distance dating is more frequent today than in the past because of globalization. Be it that you met on the internet, transformation of a regular relationship to long distance one due to reasons like job transfer or moving away for family issues or perhaps falling in love with someone when on holiday and then returning home alone, there are certain things that you will have to face if you are going to pull this off. From my own experience of being involved in a long distance romantic affair, I now know that love alone cannot solve it. For this reason both people need to have patience, be creative and above all take their relationship very seriously.
Nonetheless, it is possible for people in different time zones to date comfortably without any disappointments experienced. It is also possible that such an experience may only serve to strengthen the links between both parties. You will be able to make your long distance relationship work and even better than other couples’ relationships if you follow some advice on it. So what can we do about it? What should we do to ensure that our LDR not only survives but also grows under the circumstances it happens to be in?
Table of Contents
Establish Clear Expectations and Boundaries
Setting clear expectations is a fundamental initial stage for any relationship that is to be maintained over a long distance. It involves having a conversation about the nature of the relationship and the future prospects of both parties in it. Do you date each other only? How would you prefer to communicate with each other? Such like issues need to be clarified from the beginning so that there will be no room for misinterpretations or hard feelings on a later stage. It was easier for us to move through the highs and lows of our relationships because, immediately we laid everything in place with my partner whereby we stood.
Equally important are boundaries. State what kind of conduct is ok and which is not acceptable. This should also cover limits like; how long should one spend calling, and what is their stand on talking with friends of the opposite sex? Open communication will make both persons confident about themselves within the relationship and also make them feel safe.
Prioritize Consistent and Meaningful Communication
Communication is important in every relationship, with more emphasis being put on it when individuals involved are far from one another and are dating. Messages, calls as well as video calls act as links across the distance. It was a quick check during lunch or a long video call at night; my partner and I did this every day without fail. It is important to find time in your schedule for this, but remember that it should be better than having too much of it.
Ensure your conversations are meaningful. Do not just stick with the usual “How was your day?” Create space for deeper interaction such as sharing of aspirations, dreams and emotions. Engage in dialogue that promotes closeness and intimacy. Telling each other about what you have been through during the day, exchanging views about the book that both of you read, or watching one common film and then discussing it – these little but effective methods will help you stay close to each other.
Embrace the Power of Technology
Staying in touch with others is now an easy task regardless of the distance. Video calls which can be made through various social media platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime enable individuals to have a visual communication while messaging apps enhance seamless flow of communication. For every day that we could not be together with my partner, we planned the time on our virtual date nights using some app for this.
Do not just limit yourself to phone calls and messages; there are many other technological options for improving your relationship with fun and creativity. Couples can feel as if they are interacting with one another by using applications that support shared activities such as gaming, listening to music at the same time, and even going on internet shopping together. The important thing is that these instruments should help you make shared memories that will reinforce your unity.
Plan Visits Whenever Possible
Daily communication is important although it cannot be compared with the feeling of physical presence. Planning for visits is among the fun aspects of being engaged while living far away from each other. There is added anticipation on meeting again making it more interesting and giving a reason to plan for the future from both sides. In our visiting plans with my lover, we attempted to have a combination of impromptu escapades and peaceful homestay.
Examine how frequently visits can occur given your schedules and financial position. Use every opportunity when you meet to do different things, explore what both of you like and create new memories. Equally important is outlining what one expects during these visits — they should be enjoyable but not imposed with any form of pressure; hence every moment spent should be full of joy and significance.
Foster Trust and Transparency
Any successful relationship over a long distance must be based on trust. Insecurities are bound to arise when there is no physical contact and for this reason trust has to be taken seriously while in such relationships. For one to achieve this, he or she should let out everything that he or she thinks with regards to the matter at hand so that one does not keep any secret. At the beginning of our journey as long distance lovers, we made a pact that we will be honest regardless of anything.
To strengthen confidence, it is important to update each other about the events of the day and send pictures. Be sure to deal with any misconceptions immediately rather than leaving them unresolved for too long. When both parties are comfortable that they are being truthful with each other, then honesty would allow love even at long distance.
Maintain Independence and Personal Growth
In long distance relationships, one may easily fall into the trap of thinking that everything they do should be about their partners, however this should not happen. It is important to ensure that you remain an individual. You should continue doing what you love, stay with friends and try to improve yourself. With both partners living fully in the world outside the relationship, they will be in a position to give much out in the relation and this will result into healthy relationship.
I realized that taking care of my interests and objectives improved my self-esteem as well as increasing my happiness which was beneficial in turn on our relationship. This too should be incorporated by you. By upholding each other’s freedom and development, one is able to enhance their relationships while still enjoying the company of each other.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements
In the absence of appropriate measures, long distance relationships may become very boring. It is important to mark and celebrate every achievement or milestone whether it’s personal, occupational or related with some special event – this way you will be able to maintain the relationship and have fun in it. For instance, after my partner completed his project, I took the liberty to send a small token by post to indicate that he was still in my thoughts although we were miles apart.
Think outside the box when recognizing important dates. Arrange online parties, write letters by hand, make a video compilation of joint memories – be creative! By celebrating even the least achievements together, you will feel closer and increase your emotional connection with each other.
Have an End Goal in Mind
In order for a long distance relationship to be successful, it is important that the couple communicates and reaches some decisions about their future. What do you plan for yourselves as a couple? Is it your wish that you will share a residence at one point or another? Although difficult, these discussions are vitally important as they will ensure that both of you have a common objective in your relationship thereby pulling towards the same way.
The moment we had an understanding on our last stop destination with my partner, everything seemed right and we were hopeful. It was easier to bear the difficulties when we knew that the separation would not last long. A plan is not about requiring all information available, rather than that if there is unity of aim in what you want out of each other then it shall serve as driving force for continuity in relationships.
Conclusion
Long distance relationships present special difficulties, however, if approached correctly, they are equally advantageous with other relationships. To overcome this there is need for good communication, trust and some level of freedom or space between the two in form of celebration such as twenty-first birthdays etc. Determining an appropriate compromise and investing into the relationship regardless of the distance is key.
In my opinion, being in a long distance relationship made me understand what love, trust and communication really means better than any other relationship that I had before. It’s not easy but when both sides are determined then it becomes a beautiful struggle.
FAQs
Q1: In a long distance relationship, at what frequency should we talk?
A1: Communication should be done as often as it is suitable for both parties. Nonetheless, the most important things are keeping in touch and having interesting conversations that will make your bond stronger.
Q2: In what way can we deal with jealousy from our partners when they are far away from us?
A2: Trust and open communication are fundamental requirements. Let your actions and words be open with nothing to hide, and comfort your loved one if he or she has doubts.
Q3: Mention a few unique virtual date ideas.
A3: For example, attempting to watch a movie simultaneously through a streaming platform, preparing similar food during video call, or engaging in e-gaming may work. These activities should lead to interaction.
Q4: Is feeling anxious normal when you are engaged in LDR?
A4: Yes, it’s common to feel nervous at certain times. The key point here is that you should let your partner know about your concerns and discuss them together.
Q5: How can we determine the value of being in a LDR?
A5: The relationship may defy all odds provided each party upholds their end by being trustworthy now and forever they have hope for something better tomorrow.
