Relations are as tough as nails, and sometimes it takes a tough as nails person to make it work. Beyond the ups and downs, there is so much more to a relationship that requires not only making yourself happy, but your significant other happy as well. Unfortunately, to make a relationship even harder, add distance to it and things may seem to get even more impossible. However, it is only as hard as you make it. It is not about all the things you do perfectly, but how much effort and heart you put into making it the best relationship you can. All relationships are different and require more focus in certain areas, especially ones with distance, but here are 20 tips to making a long distance relationships work.
1. Communicate
Silence is deadly. This is key in all healthy, lasting relationships. Even when they are not there in proximity, communication makes one feel like a priority. Without communication, there is no connection which means no relationship. Have constant communication through phone calls, Facetime, texting throughout the day, snap chat, etc.
2. Plan trips to see each other as much as you can
Depending on how far away your significant other, sometimes distance can be expensive. Although this can be the case, it is important to save up money for these occasions in order to keep the personal side of the relationship going as much as you can. Nothing can be better than physical contact with the person you love.
3. Forgetting the romance, makes you forget the relationship
Words go a long way, especially in distance, so be sure to remind the person how much you miss them and how much they mean to you. Give them support and love above and beyond the norm.
4. Do not forget to remind them how much you love them
Love is a strong word that takes a lot of couples awhile to say, but if you are already at that point in your relationship, it is essential to never let them go a day without knowing how much you love them. You never know when it will be the last time, so tell them AS MUCH as you can. I believe you can never say “I love you” too much.
5. Remember the good times
If you do not have pictures in your camera role, on social media, saved, or in your bedroom, why even date the person? These moments caught on camera are what will help you never forget the times and memories you have shared with each other. While it can get sad sometimes, flipping through these pictures, or remembering certain moments will help you get through the hard times without them.
6. Do more things that remind you of them
Do not be afraid to go to a restaurant, a store, a place, a sporting event, or anywhere else you went without them. Going to these places will help you reminisce on more memories you had with them and the fun you had doing simple things you love with the person you love.
7. Listen to music that has sentimental value
Letting each other know when certain songs remind them of you, will give them another perspective of how you are feeling when you are unable to find the words yourself. It will be impossible to not smile when a song randomly comes on and it happens to be the one they told you made them think of you.
8. Don’t forget to laugh
Distance can sometimes create tensions due to the fluctuating emotions a couple goes through, so be sure to keep things light and fun.
9. Avoid situations that would hurt your relationship
DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT put yourself in a situation that could compromise your relationship. One of the top reasons long distance does not work is due to cheating. While some people may feel tempted to socialize with the other sex to feel the void of missing their significant other, do not give others the wrong impression or intentions by you flirting with them.
10. Say what’s on your mind
Along with communicating, be comfortable with saying what is on your mind. If you do not say what is on your mind, how are they supposed to know how you feel or how it can be fixed? Even if it is not what the other person wants to hear, in the end, they will respect how you feel and that you were comfortable with sharing it with them.
11. Be honest
Honest truly is the best policy. If you are not honest about what is going on, the guilt of lying will eat at you even if you do not see them every day. If you are not honest with them, you cannot expect them to be honest with you. Building a relationship on lies will not only ruin your long distance relationship, but any relationships you have in life.
12. Keep the trust
Trust is the building block for everything. You cannot have trust without truth. You must have the firm belief in each other that the way your partner is acting would be the same if you were there or not. Reliability can be scary, but trust must be sustainable for long term growth in your relationship.
13. Think and talk about the future
Relationships can be more difficult when you find yourself dwelling in missing each other and waiting to finally see each other again. So, to help fill this void, thinking about future plans or ideas keep the relationship moving forward and believing there is a future together.
14. Keep a positive mindset
It is easy to be sad when you miss someone, which can cause negative in your life. In order to avoid this, bring optimism in your life by having a positive mindset that you are going to get through this, everything happens for a reason, and things are going to get better. A positive attitude will help you cope better with the problems you are faced with and see the bright side to your relationship.
15. Stay updated on each other’s lives
Because your significant other does not get to see you every day, make them feel like they are still involved in what is going on in your everyday life by keeping them in the know. This will lessen the distance between you two and allow them to still be a part of your life despite the distance.
16. Don’t be afraid to have steamy conversations
Sexual talk keeps the passion alive. Because your partner is not physically there, it is important to continue having a physical relationship verbally. Humans are driven by their desires and even though it can be awkward or uncomfortable at times, it will make you feel closer to your partner.
17. Saying goodnight and good morning are more important than you think
Making sure your significant other knows you are thinking about them the minute you go to bed and the second you wake up, reassures them that they are always on your mind. It only takes a little bit of effort, so be sure not to forget this simple rule.
18. Realize alone time is good for your relationship
Take advantage of the period without your partner because it gives you time to better yourself in order to be better in relationships. Take this opportunity to learn what makes you tick, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and how you can improve in making your relationship the best it can be.
19. Give them gifts they can use, wear, or look at when you are gone
Give a gift that keeps on giving. Which means, it gives them the feeling that you are there with them at all times. It does not have to be something big or expensive, but by giving them a piece of yourself, it will make it hard for them to see the gift and not immediately think of you.
20. Ultimately, you really have to love the person in order to make it work.
