How to Make Long-Distance Relationships Work

Do long-distance relationships require more work than relationships that see each other on a daily basis?

The answer is yes.

Scheduling online dates, calling them in-between routines, and longing for them through your phone screen–these are just fragments of what it’s like to be in a long-distance relationship.

Connecting with them emotionally can be hard sometimes. You find yourself missing them extra on some nights, and all you want is to be with them.

Missing your partner comes in big waves. This could either strengthen the bond or lead to the relationship’s downfall. But as the saying goes, “distance makes the heart grow fonder.

The first months aren’t hard; it’s all fun, new, and full of excitement. Making time for each other doesn’t feel like a chore and you think to yourself, “this isn’t so bad.” Until you find yourself wanting more time, affirmation, and affection.

This is when frustration comes in, and suddenly you find yourselves stuck in a never-ending cycle of negative emotions and arguments.

So, how do you keep the fire burning in your relationship? Here are a few ways to make your relationship work despite the distance.

1. Make time for each other.

Defy the odds; make time for each other. In a long-distance relationship, you are still committed to making time for them more often than not, even if it’s just through the screen.

It’s imperative you make your routines known, so you’ll know when you are both available to talk.

Making time for each other doesn’t always have to be grand. With our progressive technology these days, anything can be done regardless of distance. Watching movies, listening to songs together, and even just plain talking through video calls or audio calls are some of the many things you can do together.

Experiencing mundane things, even when you’re far apart definitely reduces the feeling of longing.

2. Let your presence be felt without being physically there.

What was hard before the pandemic, became even harder. Planning when to see each other was already a struggle then, and the pandemic made it even more difficult.

Ever since lockdown was announced, there have been a lot of restrictions. A list of conditions had to be satisfied before you could enter and exit certain places, especially where covid cases are higher than most.

These limitations made it even harder for online couples who only meet once every 2 months or even more. The agony of waiting to see your partner again prolongs, and it’s hard to feel their presence when they’re coping differently than you do. When this happens, it’s important to meet your partner halfway.

Let your presence be known through the little things–checking up on them from time to time, sending them tokens of appreciation, and affirming them with positivity.

3. Don’t bottle your emotions.

Don’t keep your partner guessing. Seeing each other only through the computer screens may have its perks–you can bottle or deny your feelings since they won’t be able to tell. However, doing this could affect both you and your partner.

When you feel a negative emotion, let your partner know. Remember that communication is vital in a relationship. Learn to share not only the good things but the bad as well.

Be more extra to your partner.

Long-distance couples should do more than what is required in regular relationships. Be extra considerate of each other’s time and preferences. Your partner should feel loved regardless of the limitations.

Conflicts may arise and those are completely normal, but when you are both committed to the relationship, any challenges that you will go through exist solely to make the relationship even stronger.