Making a Long Distance Relationship Work

I’ve been in an ‘intercontinental relationship’ for the past 2 years. It sucks.

With international relationships, it’s inevitable that a time will come when one person will have to leave.

It could be for various reasons but usually, it’s the big ones – family, money, or career.

It’s difficult to find that ‘long distance groove’ after spending months living together, especially during that first long separation.

Below, I’ve listed a few strategies we’ve used to make a long-distance relationship work.

Establish a Reliable Communication Method

Ask, “Do both of us have a reliable Internet connection?” More often than not, things won’t work how you envisioned, but having, say, the best rural internet that you can find can certainly go a long way towards giving you the best chance of being able to maintain a good line of communication.

Lately, I’ve been swearing at my router and have come close to throwing my smartphone at the wall. My only deterrent is realizing it’s actually my relationship lifeline.

Instead, be calm and plan backup methods. After two weeks, I noticed a regular pattern of when our paths crossed via phone or the Internet that worked for both of our schedules.

In between those meetings, send each other love notes or share links to fun videos and photos.

Try to Keep it Light

Drama is bad, very bad, for long-distance couples and always talking about how much pine for each other will just make it harder.

Instead, talk about subjects that you normally chat about in person; make jokes, share mundane everyday activities, and reminisce about happy memories.

Create a Shared Activity

I’m talking about a private book club, movie club, or Internet scavenger hunt just for the two of you. No one else. This creates a strong feeling of interconnectivity and working towards something together.

Find a Comfortable Way to Maintain Intimacy

Just because you two are miles apart doesn’t mean that the physical side of your relationship has been put on the back burner. Have a discussion of each other’s needs and wants and find a happy medium that is comfortable for both.

Preferably, create this plan before you leave each other. It could be a few coy, intimate photos or some sexy Facetiming. It’s all about what works for the two of you.

Care for Your own Health; Mentally, Physically, and Emotionally

Once I start to feel run down, tired, and lonely, my long-distance relationship feels like a tragic and dire situation.

If these feelings continue, it puts a strain on my relationship because my partner feels helpless that he can’t comfort me or vice versa.

Taking care of my own physical and mental health is one of the best measures to remain positive, calm, and patient.

Maintain Balance & Focus

The key to a strong long-distance relationship is absolute trust. If one partner does not feel secure in the relationship it will crumble quickly.

Both must be honest with each other; share concerns but also be reasonable.

Each person will have to accept that life moves quickly between family, friends, and work. Make time for each other but don’t overextend yourself.

Remain focused on your goals as a couple as well as reuniting in the future. Eventually, it will all fall into place.

Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship? What worked for you?