In a Long Distance Relationship?
Set Some Rules
You have to make sure you have the proper expectation of what will happen in this long-distance relationship. Set ground rules/goals for how you'll navigate the relationship because there will be challenges. How will you overcome them? Rules are healthy because then you don't have unmet needs or confusion in your relationship. You know what the other person's expectations and needs are, and you've written them down and agreed on them.
Communicate Regularly and Creatively
Keep it spicy, especially when you're not in front of each other and unable to physically interact together. Show your partner that you're putting an effort into the relationship by being creative. Whether it's playing music while on the phone, planning a mini date night, or playing a game together, there are many ways to get creative in a long-distance relationship. Come up with pet names or made-up words to keep things funny and lively on the phone instead of boring, especially when talking for an extended period of time. Find different things to talk about.
Avoid Dangerous Situations
Things that might classify as dangerous situations include going to a club or inviting someone over to your house after a party. In a long-distance relationship, building trust is the number one thing that makes it work. Make sure you keep a good schedule of your activities because it helps build trust with your partner when they know what your normal day-to-day schedule is, such as what time you normally get off work and commute home. That way, when you let them know that you're deviating from the schedule for certain events such as meeting up with friends for dinner, they'll feel more secure.
Do Things Together
Watch movies, listen to music, or even eat together on a video call. You can do lots of things together without being physically face-to-face. Doing these types of little activities as a couple is a great way to keep the relationship lively.
Visit Each Other
When you can, make the effort to visit each other. Depending on your situation, you might be able to visit more frequently or you might be in a situation – such as being in the military, another country, etc. – where you can't see each other very often. However, it's important to really talk together and figure out when you can see each other. Establishing a timeline or visiting date gives you both something to look forward to. When you have those moments to see each other one-on-one, don't take it for granted and enjoy your time together. Keep in mind that these moments are not the time to bring up issues in the relationship but rather to enjoy the limited time you have together.
Be Honest
If you're talking to the wrong person or did something you shouldn't have, you might think you've gotten away with it. However, the truth always comes to light. Always be honest, especially if you don't think the long-distance relationship is working for you. Some couples know that a long-distance relationship won't work for them long-term, so they make goals to move to each other. Being honest builds trust in your relationship; the last thing you want to feel is insecure about an already challenging relationship.
Know Each Other's Schedule
This was mentioned earlier, but it's so important to keep a schedule and for your partner to know what it is. It helps you both feel more secure in the relationship and less vulnerable. Some couples use a shared calendar while others share their live locations. Find a way to update each other on your schedules to build trust and security in your relationship.
Get a Great Messaging App
There are so many different ways to communicate with each other that, now, there's really no valid reason for you and your partner to not be able to speak with each other on a frequent basis, even if it's a quick text. Use video calling to go on virtual date nights at a restaurant, play games, or even try new activities. Get creative!
Mail Gifts
You might think this is outdated, but it gives such a personal touch to mail your partner something. Whether it's flowers, candies, or other small gifts, it lets them know that they're on your mind and makes things romantic.
Video Call Whenever Possible
Similar to the point about messaging apps, there's no reason that you can't video call your partner when there are so many apps that let you do so. You can use Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, and so much more to see each other virtually face-to-face.
