Long-distance relationships are difficult, and there’s no way around that – but there are ways to make them easier and last longer than you might think!
Read on to learn 32 ways to make a long-distance relationship work, last as long as possible, and stop you from going insane while your partner is away!
Table of Contents
1. Communicate regularly.
It’s important to keep the communication lines open as best you can. Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s especially important with long-distance ones.
It’s also a good idea to get creative with how you interact – which means video calls, photos, and even memes.
2. Keep your text messages flirty.
Try sending flirty text messages to keep the spark alive while away from each other. Essentially, the key is to keep things interesting and keep both of you on your toes.
This texting can lead to other things, and can get even get him to chase you again – so ramp up the flirting when you’re getting into bed at the end of the day.
3. Compliment them often.
It’s easy to forget how much we mean to someone when they’re no longer around, but it’s so empowering and uplifting to hear that they love our quirks from time-to-time. Reminding each other of these things will help make the distance less daunting and more manageable.
4. Give them a keepsake.
Give them something that they can hold onto – especially if it’s something that shows how much they mean to you, like a personalized bracelet or necklace.
This will serve as a powerful reminder of the relationship and the fact that you’re waiting for their return. You may even want to sneak a small item into their suitcase to make them smile when they unpack.
5. Make memory jars together.
When you’re away from your partner all day, remember where home really is! Make memory jars together by writing notes about what was happening during certain months/seasons, and sending pictures back and forth on cloudy days.
By doing this, you’ll have something tangible during times you don’t have your partner there.
6. Send each other cards and letters.
A sweet way to show that you’re thinking of them is through snail mail. Whether it’s a postcard, letter, or card – and even if it only happens once in a while – the gesture will be greatly appreciated.
7. Reminisce about the good ole days.
Long-distance relationships are tough, but it’s important that you don’t forget all of your memories together. Keep a journal or notebook where you can write down some old stories from when the two of you first met or what happened on your first few dates.
8. Video chat for extended hours every day.
Even though you can’t be with them, that doesn’t mean you can’t still see each other! It might not seem like enough, but video chatting for a few hours every day can help keep you from missing each other too much.
You can also use video chat to give emotional support at any time, day or night.
9. Don’t put your life on hold.
It’s important to build a life for yourself that you can enjoy without depending on your partner. Missing out on opportunities while stuck waiting for this person can lead to feelings of regret and resentment. Plus, living life to its fullest will make the time go a lot faster.
10. Stay committed – no matter what.
Every relationship requires commitment, but long-distance relationships require even more work to stay committed. Think about whether you’re prepared to be committed to this person.
It’s time to be honest with yourself and communicate your feelings before the two of you move away from each other.
11. Take a trip together.
Meeting halfway will be the best way to see each other and spend quality time in person again, which is something that long-distance couples can rarely do often.
Talk about where you want to go, how much it’ll cost, and what’s feasible to both of your schedules – then just make it happen!
12. Talk for 5 minutes before bed.
A simple way to make your partner feel closer is by talking about what they did that day. This can be as short or detailed of a conversation as you want it to be. The key is to just provide some comfort for each other and stay up to date on how things are going back home.
13. Send photos.
Sending photos over social media, text message, or email will help keep you connected, and will also provide something new to talk about when you next video chat.
They don’t have to be amazing pictures either; simply taking pictures of cute dogs or cool meals will be enough to keep things going.
14. Set some ground rules.
Both of you should know where you stand during time apart. The last thing you want to do is upset each other by doing something that wasn’t expected – so, work together to create some boundaries, rules, and goals.
For example, you may set a rule to talk on the phone every Monday and Thursday.
15. Stay positive.
One of the biggest things you can do to keep your long-distance relationship going is stay positive. It’s easy for both parties to get frustrated, but if one person starts slipping into negativity it’ll only make matters worse.
Remember: this period of time won’t last forever, and you’ll be in each other’s arms soon enough!
16. Don’t argue over text.
Arguing over text message or email will only add fuel to an already heated situation and will lead nowhere. Instead, try talking in a calm way during your next video chat!
You two are a team, so you should be working WITH, not AGAINST, each other.
17. Maintain your foundation.
Clearly communicate what you need from your partner. This includes things like spending time with them and talking to each other on the phone regularly!
Letting this go unattended can lead to resentment, so make sure it’s addressed before something happens to tear down the foundation of your relationship.
18. Be romantic.
Even though you can’t be with them, that doesn’t mean you can’t still be somewhat romantic. Send them a card, flowers, or something you know they’d enjoy. This will keep the romance alive and strengthen your relationship.
19. Keep your sense of humor intact.
Long-distance relationships are hard enough without taking yourselves too seriously all the time. Don’t be afraid to do something goofy or silly every once in a while.
It’ll make both of you feel closer and remind yourselves that this isn’t your whole life!
20. Make dinner together over video chat.
Cooking together over video chat is another way partners may choose to spend their time – and will allow them the opportunity to experiment with something new that they might never get in person.
21. Talk about your future plans.
Talking about what each partner wants out of life – whether it’s marriage, children, or careers – is an important part of making any type of relationship work, especially while long-distance.
You may also want to make future plans for when you are reunited again. Doing this will keep you excited for the future and keep your relationship positive.
22. Send a package every week/month.
Send small packages with items that remind your partner of home. This will make it seem like they never left, and can help keep their spirits up!
For instance, if they had a favorite candy back home, send some in the mail for them. If they miss the coffee from where you live, buy some beans online and ship it over. Other examples include sending some favorite foods, love notes, homemade items, Polaroid pictures, and a few gifts.
23. Leave them notes/voice mails.
Sometimes people need physical proof that they’re loved, which is why leaving notes and voice mails could work well! Sneak a few notes into their luggage without them realizing, or hide them in creative places so they’ll be over the moon to find at a later date.
If it’s been a few months since you last saw your partner, then send them some voice mails that say how much you love and miss them.
24. Create a shared calendar.
If your partner is often on their computer, it can help to create a shared calendar that syncs with both of yours – so no one has an excuse not to know what’s going on in each others’ lives! This will make it easier to coordinate schedules & make sure you never miss a chance to connect.
25. Share your feelings/thoughts often.
Don’t hesitate to talk openly with each other, even if you are feeling down or depressed – because this is the only way you’ll get through tough times together! This will also give them a heads up as to when something is wrong and they can offer their support.
Make sure to reassure each other that you’ll always love them no matter what – because this is the only way you’ll be able to deal with long-distance relationships.
It’s only natural to start having doubts about how much you care about each other, especially if you don’t let them know often. If you miss your partner dearly, tell them about it – and show them how much they mean to you!
26. Plan formal virtual dates.
Plan a date in advance with your significant other and make it something really special that you both will enjoy. Dress up for the occasion by putting on your favorite dress or item of clothing.
27. Have an end date.
Having an “end date” on the distance can sometimes be helpful for both parties involved, especially if the distance is causing a strain. Make a date set in stone so that you’ll have something to look forward to and so it’ll feel like this pain won’t last forever.
28. Get creative with regular texts.
When texting, try sending different GIFs or use emojis to express feelings when words can’t. Also, let them know how much certain things mean to you by using multiple exclamation points!!!
29. Be confident in your relationship.
If you’re confident in your relationship, it’ll be able to flourish and grow. Worrying about your relationship or not trusting your partner will only cause arguments and unneeded tension.
Be sure to communicate your confidence about the relationship, because this will make them feel more secure in knowing that they’re with someone who is committed and invested in them.
30. Take time to be alone.
It may seem like being alone would be hard when there’s no one else around, but take this opportunity to do things by yourself without any distractions! There are many benefits from being able to disconnect, such as the ability to focus on your goals, get into shape at the gym, or spend more time with your friends.
You can even try these Top 27 Self-Care Ideas for When You Need to Recharge!
The Bottom Line
There are many ways to make a long-distance relationship last, but it will take work and commitment.
If none of these methods work for you, then there is always “The LDR Break” – which involves spending time apart and seeing how things go when you reunite.
This is a difficult decision to make, but it can work for people who are struggling with distance. However, this should be seen as a last resort and should not be taken lightly.
