Most of us have struggled through a torturous LDR. And, it seems like there is absolutely nothing anyone can do or say that makes it any easier. But, you’re in luck because we are here to share 9 surefire long-distance relationship tips that actually work!
So, if you’re in one of these frustrating arrangements and you feel like giving up- just PAUSE- for a few minutes, and read how you can improve your relationship and restore your happiness. It’s all about balance and the dynamic of the relationship you’re creating.
Avoid Excessive Communication
Communication in a long-distance relationship is key, but too much communication can be a total dealbreaker. Yes, your bae loves you, but they certainly don’t want you blowing up their phone all day every day while they’re trying to work, do errands, and hangout with their friends and family.
It’s all about quality over quantity. If you are sending emojis for hours straight, the relationship is not going to become any stronger because of it. However, if you talk here and there throughout the day and then sit down and FaceTime at night, your partner will feel more of a priority…and way less annoyed.
Have Rules
Ok, so ‘rules’ sounds, like, super strict. But, it’s important to have specific guidelines in place before you even enter a long-distance relationship. Some of these rules might be no cheating, no ignoring phonecalls unless necessary, no going to bed angry, or no hanging up on each other.
Although, these sound like things that may happen here and there in a normal relationship, in an LDR, they can be even more detrimental. As an LDR couple you don’t have the luxury of being able to talk issues out in person;
So, one wrong move and you could find yourself single real fast. By setting expectations you and your partner will feel more at ease and able to go about your daily lives, without worrying about what the other is doing.
See Also: 7 Mistakes That Make Long Distance Relationships Explode (and How to Avoid Making Them)
Learn How To Do Things Together
Ok, so obviously you can’t be together together, but there are ways to still enjoy doing activities with each other even when you’re miles apart. Try watching the same Netflix binge while talking on the phone. Or, even reading the same book and discussing it once or twice a week.
By finding ways to incorporate your partner into your life, even when they are in a different city, you’ll feel a strong bond and connection to them. These little dates will brighten your day and you’ll be reminded why you love them.
Schedule Visits
One of the biggest long-distance relationship tips is scheduling visits. If you and your partner never visit each other, there is very little chance that a longterm LDR is going to work out. Sure, you can go months without seeing each other, but if there is no light at the end of the tunnel, then what’s the point?
That’s why it’s important to always plan a visit, while you’re ending a visit with your boo. Never leave them without a plan to see them again. If so, you and your partner can start to feel that the distance isn’t worth it.
Don’t Overplan
An important thing to remember is that when you actually get to visit each other, don’t overplan. Relationships are not all movie dates, fancy dinners, and hanging out with friends. A lot of what you miss in an LDR is that relaxing alone time you get to experience with your bae.
So, definitely plan (but don’t plan) a day that you and your lover can lay in bed, relax, snuggle, and talk. It will make the relationship feel a little more normal. And, you definitely won’t be complaining about those extra few hours in bed with your boo.
Spend Time With Others
Spending time with others is vital to surviving a long-distance relationship. You don’t want to totally isolate yourself just so that you can text your loved one and stalk them on social media all day. This will only make you feel a whole lot worse.
Surrounding yourself with people you love while you’re dealing with a long-distance arrangement can be super healing. It will remind you that there are other parts of your life that are important to you. I mean, who doesn’t love spending time with good friends?
So, instead of locking yourself away, go out for ice cream with your besties or enjoy a family dinner with the grandparents.
Think Positively
We can not say enough how important it is to think positive. Seriously, we cannot put enough emphasis on this. Thinking positively will create good energy that will allow you to move forward in your LDR and secure a strong bond.
If you begin to think negatively, you will create negative energy that will only get in the way of the precious relationship that you are trying to make work. Everything will work out in the end if you just believe that it will.
Surprise Your Partner
One of the best long-distance relationship tips we have is definitely to surprise your partner. Surprises can go a long way. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. A simple letter or postcard mailed to them when they least expect it can make all the difference. They’ll feel appreciated and loved.
If you want to ‘go big or go home’ then you could even surprise them with a visit. Just make sure to be sneaky and find out if they are busy first. You don’t want to stress them out or disrupt their lives. But, even if you did, I’m sure they would get over it fast.
Have A Goal
It’s important that you and your loved one have a similar goal that will eventually end the long-distance relationship. If not, then maybe they just aren’t the one for you. Nobody wants to stay in the dreaded LDR forever.
Start a discussion before your long distance arrangement even starts to create a plan. Will you move into together? Will you move to another city or will they? Will you get married?
These are vital questions to ask and complicated, yet important, things to think about. If you and your boo have the same end goal, then stick it through and try to make it work with the help of these tips!