Key points
Here are 3 key points on how to make a long distance relationship work:
1. Communicate openly and honestly. Have regular check-ins to share feelings and stay connected. Don’t avoid difficult conversations.
2. Make time for virtual dates. Schedule video chats, watch movies together, or play online games. Find creative ways to bond and have fun.
3. Visit when possible. Book trips to see each other even if it’s just for a weekend. Physical closeness maintains intimacy.
Contents
Setting Goals and Future Planning
When you are in a long distance relationship, it is critical to set some goals together as indirect form of promise. You might be planning to live in that same place for good or get married. Having something at the end of the tunnel makes the way easier.
Discussing Long-Term Goals
Be open and honest about what you both want in your life, like, career, family, place, etc. If you get on the same page about the big picture stuff then fewer issues will happen down the line. Be ready to compromise as things always change.
Planning for a Future Together
Work backwards from your final goal to determine the steps you need to take. Making a timeline with target dates will help you work towards a shared future.
Dealing with Uncertainty and Change
Life is unpredictable, so accept that your plan may change. Make sure to check in often on your goals and don’t be upset if your goals change. Stick with it even when things get rough. Switch your focus from “What Ifs” to “We’ll Figure It Out”
Leveraging Technology
Apps and gadgets help couples in long distance relationships stay connected in new and fun ways. Apps like FaceTime that allow video chat can help you see your partner’s face and feel as if you’re in the same room. With text messaging you can send anything, from pictures to voicemails. There’re even apps where you can watch movies or play games together from a distance.
Using Apps and Tools to Stay Connected
Below are some of the much-needed apps and tools for couples in Long Distance Relationships:
Between – is a private messaging app for couples. It includes whipsers, a shared calendar, photo albums, and love letters.
Couple – This app has a timeline to share memories, a thumb kiss feature and lists to plan future activities together.
Love Nudge – The concept of ‘5 love languages’ is based on this app that helps couples express their love meaningfully.
Rave – is a platform that allows couples to watch movies, shows, or listen to music in real time while chatting.
Rabbit (Kast) – app allows couples to view videos and chat live, much like Rave, the app.
LokLok – transforms your mobile lock screen into a drawing board and you can leave cute notes and drawings for each other.
Happy Couple – is a relationship quiz app that provides couples of all ages some new and useful insights about their partner.
Kindu – gives couples ideas on how to interact intimately and their other activities and experiences.
TouchNote – is a gift you can give your partner to send real postcards or greeting cards to your partner with your photos and message.
We-Connect – is an whirly ball adult opportunities device meant for intimacy which allows couples to control the device remotely.
Tuned – is a couples-only music application created by Facebook that helps couples share notes and helps a couple to share mood updates.
Couplete – Gives distance couples a messaging system, shared lists, and reminders of special dates.
Wickr Me – A secure messaging app that encrypts your texts, calls, and media sharing for maximum privacy.
HeyTell – is a voice messaging app that works similarly to a walkie-talkie. It is for quick audio messages to your partner.
Pathshare – is a location-sharing application that helps couples avoid constant messaging each other as they track each other.
Support Systems and Resources
It’s important to have strong support systems in place to make long distance relationships work. Most people have a support system formed by family, friends and colleagues. They help during tough times. When you’re feeling lonely, reach out to your support network for encouragement, advice, someone to vent to, or even distraction.
Building a Support Network
If your current support system is small, make it bigger. To meet new people, get involved at local clubs or community groups. Try contacting friends and relatives who you don’t often talk to. Find others in long distance relationships who get where you’re coming from. Having just one or two close confidants can make a lot of difference.
Utilizing Counseling and Relationship Resources
You and your partner can connect even more through long distance couple resources. You can consult a online or offline counselor to improve communication and intimacy. Relationship courses and workbooks give you tools for dealing with issues. Support groups help you to connect with others facing similar problems.
Learning from Others’ Experiences
Seek advice from people having success stories in a long-distance relationship. Ask people you trust for their information and opinions. Online communities reading real-life challenges and solutions to join. Reach out to couples who have managed their long-distance relationships well. The ups and downs of life can be tackled with the help of these.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can an LDR couple nurture their mental health when living far apart?
Scheduled video calls, sharing daily experiences through texts, making time for self-care, leaning on friends for support, and seeing therapists or counselors can help nurture mental health for long distance lovers.
What are some creative ideas for LDR couples to celebrate birthdays from afar?
Virtual parties on Zoom or Skype, sending thoughtful customized gifts, making photo collages, baking their favorite treat and sharing pics, and planning a reunion trip can help LDR couples celebrate birthdays despite the distance.
How can college LDR couples stay bonded when graduation ends the shared college experience?
Talking about fears of growing apart, making plans to visit, keeping up meaningful rituals like movie nights or cooking together virtually, and discussing the future can help couples transition through graduation.
What are some money mistakes LDR couples should avoid?
Not budgeting for visits, relying on credit, splitting shared expenses unfairly, making big purchases without consulting a partner, and failing to discuss long-term financial goals are some money mistakes LDR couples should steer clear of.
How can you nurture friendship in an LDR when you don't share everyday life?
Make an effort to text or call just to talk, not just for business; share links, songs, photos from your day; reminisce over past experiences; play online games together; and open up about worries – treat it like the friendship it is.
What are fun virtual activities for LDR couples to share when apart?
Cooking the same recipe while video chatting, streaming movies together, playing online games side-by-side, doing an at-home craft or DIY project ‘together’, and taking virtual tours of museums or faraway places can nurture connection during separation.
How can you keep the spark alive in a long distance relationship?
Flirt! Compliment each other’s photos, send suggestive texts, have phone sex, reminisce about pasttimes together, surprise each other with gifts, and count down the days until your next visit.
What are some ground rules LDR couples should discuss?
How often to communicate, expectations around responding to texts/calls, setting aside quality time to connect, how to make big decisions together, managing conflict, privacy needs, and future planning are some ground rules LDR couples should cover.
How can long distance couples nurture intimacy and trust?
Share feelings and daily experiences often, make time for meaningful talks, be reliable in communication, honor commitments, discuss insecurities calmly, and demonstrate loyalty in ways small and large.
What tips can help new LDR couples adjust to the distance?
Talk through expectations and needs, schedule virtual dates, take personality quizzes together, make playlists or photo albums celebrating your relationship, develop rituals like a daily goodnight text, and plan an upcoming visit.
I am an award-winning author who has deep insights into the world of dating & relationships. I have won several awards including Andromeda Magazine – Fantasy Short Fiction Story award amongst several other awards and writing achievements.