Long distance relationships are exceptionally difficult and require a lot of work. Generally speaking, “what is worth having, doesn’t come easy”. Being away from your partner, whether it be across the world, or in separate cities, can put a real strain on your relationship. However, knowing you get to see them again one day makes it all the more worth it when you get to do the little things you’ve been longing out for; hold their hand, go for walks, or go on a physical date again. It’s the small things you miss when you are in a long-distance relationship that make you appreciate each other all that much more.
Relationships aren’t easy as they are, now mix time difference, flights apart, or other external reasons as to why you two can’t be proximally close. It’s tough. Being in a long-distance relationship is difficult, but they have their own fun surprises too. You two are in a relationship and want to make it work, so read more to find the 11 best ways to keep the spark alive in an Long distance relationships.
- Facetime frequently
It might sound obvious, but Facetiming or video calling of some sort, can be extremely beneficial in an Long distance relationships. Not only are texts ridiculously easy to misinterpret, there is nothing better than seeing your loved one’s face in the morning or when you get into bed to go to sleep. It is easy to virtually ‘be’ with each other by being on Facetime, rather than reading texts that may be potentially misinterpreted on one end.
- Send voice notes
This one goes hand in hand with Facetiming frequently, where you are unable to go on Facetime, send voice notes. Voice notes allow for laughter, jokes, and sarcasm to be easily vocalized. It is extremely important to hear each other’s voices especially as it can bring reassurance, comfort, and joy. There is something special about still being able to hear their voice and see their face regardless of how far apart you are from each other.
- Communicate…but not excessively
Say there’s a few hours’ time difference between you and your partner, it is exciting having something to talk about at the end of the day. However, don’t feel like you need to overdo the communication because of the lack of distance. Instead, to keep the spark alive, less is more. It isn’t about spam calling them or incessantly messaging, as that will just cause unnecessary tension and you will have less things to talk about. Keep it light, loving, and communicative.
- Trust them
Trust is the foundation and forefront of any successful relationship. When you and your partner are doing long-distance, it can be difficult not to overthink and as a result build mistrust. It is difficult as there is no way of knowing what they are doing, who they are with, or if they are speaking to someone else. However, you can’t let these negative thoughts overpower your emotions, as communication is the best way to break those barriers of any potential mistrust. You are both in a relationship for a reason and want to make it work, therefore, believe in it and believe in yourselves.
- Stay honest with each other
In line with trust and communication, it is vital you both stay open and honest with each other. There is no denying there may be tension, friction, insecurity or jealousy during your Long distance relationships but don’t try and deal with these things by yourself. You are in a relationship with this person; therefore, you need to both give each other the support you need, more so than ever before. The more you let those feelings swallow you whole, the more likelihood of it taking your relationship down with you. It is better to deal with the hard things now, together, than suffer further down the line.
- Plan virtual dates
Planning a specific date or time where you can both have a Facetime date, maybe with a romantic dinner, or by watching a movie together at the same time can absolutely keep the spark alive in your Long distance relationships. Knowing you have something to look forward to together is exciting, and you can try new things resulting in constant excitement in the relationship. You can take it in turns, weekly, to plan your virtual dates by surprising them with something new, fun, and exciting.
- Play games together
There is an abundance of online games readily available, PlayStation or Xbox games that you can both play together. Picking a game, quiz, or puzzle that you both enjoy can spark an immense amount of joy in the relationship as you are both doing a hobby that you enjoy and better yet, you’re doing it with each other.
- Talk dirty to each other
There is no doubt that sexual chemistry can be one of the most important factors in a relationship. However, if you and your partner are doing an LDR, the sexual tension will undoubtedly be rapidly increasing. Not only is sex a biological need, it forms an emotional connection in a relationship. Keep the spark alive by sending each other NSFW texts and pictures filled with innuendos and provocative descriptions. Perhaps make time where you can both keep that sexual spark alive through, calls, videos, and texts.
- Have a goal in mind
Perhaps the harsh reality is, it is extremely difficult, and in some cases, impossible to keep a long-distance relationship alive forever. Perhaps it’s only temporary in your relationship though, so you need to both have a similar goal of what you want out of the relationship. Where is your future headed, what is your timeline looking like? Make plans to see each other whenever you can, have that goal in mind when it comes to overcoming the difficulties of an Long distance relationships. Although you two may not be in the same space or time zone, it is important you are both on the trajectory towards the same goals in life, especially the same goal in the relationship.
- Enjoy your time with the people around you
Enjoy your time with your friends, family, and whoever else is physically around you. Do not let your entire world revolve around your partner – who isn’t even there with you. You still have the people around you, distraction is the best way to take your mind off a non-idealistic situation. Have fun, go out to eat more, or go to the gym. Just because they aren’t there with you, doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun or living your life. It will make you feel happier and as a result, it will make you feel happier in your relationship; additionally, having something to share with them.
- Stay positive
I know it is difficult, and may feel like the end of the world, but just know it isn’t; it really isn’t. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you, and your partner will get through it. There are things you can do to help the situation by keeping the spark alive, you just have to remember to stay positive.
Long distance relationships are hard and do take work, but it is important to keep the spark alive to maintain a healthy, happy relationship. It is vital that you remain supportive, honest, and communicate constantly with your partner throughout this inevitably tough time. If you can get through this, you can get through any barriers your relationship has to face.