Long distance dating comes with many challenges.
Does that mean it’s always a bad idea? Of course not.
However, it does mean that you might have to put in some effort to make it work.
Luckily, there are many things that you can do to improve your chances of success with a long-distance relationship.
There are tricks and tips to maintain a sense of intimacy despite being miles apart. You can improve your chances with long distance dating if you apply these seven pointers:
1. Verbal Communication is Key
People often forget about the importance of non-verbal communication. However, misunderstandings occur more when we don’t have it. This can be a problem in long-distance relationships.
Most of your communication happens over phone calls, text messages and online media. This creates a situation ripe for misunderstandings. Therefore, you need to be direct in what you say. Be as clear and loving as possible, even in a text message. When you have something serious to talk about, do it on the phone. Better yet, use FaceTime so you can see one another’s facial expressions.
Never assume that you understand the full meaning of your partner’s messages. Instead, check with them to see if you understood. Make sure to clear up communication mishaps quickly and frequently.
2. Jealousy Will Eat Away at You
Of course, jealousy is a problem in any relationship. However, it can arise more often in long-distance relationships. On one hand, you each spend more time with other people than with one another. And on the other hand, you feel more vulnerable when your partner is out with others because you won’t see them at the end of the day.
Therefore, it is critical to work on jealousy. Work on your own issues independently. Additionally, work together to create rituals, boundaries, and communication that decrease jealousy.
3. Gratitude Goes a Long Way
Crowd out jealousy, fear, and loneliness with gratitude. Do not focus on wishing you were together. Instead, be grateful for what you do have. Express that gratitude often. Express it to yourself, to your partner, and when talking about the relationship with others.
4. Quality, not Quantity
Modern technology makes it possible to stay in touch 24/7. That’s a great thing, and it shouldn’t be underestimated. However, don’t neglect the quality of those interactions, just because you have access to them in quantity.
- Spend holidays together as much as possible.
- Make the effort to share your inner thoughts.
- Be vulnerable.
- Use FaceTime or Skype regularly.
- Express commitment.
- See each other in person when you can. Moreover, make those dates special.
5. You Will Find New Ways to Express Sexuality
Physical intimacy is a big part of a romantic relationship. On the one hand, things stay exciting when you only see each other sporadically. On the other hand, you can feel like you’re missing out on intimacy with long distance dating. Get creative to express sexuality with one another across the miles.
6. There Are Many Promises
You will make a lot of promises in long distance dating. You will also express a lot of “what ifs” and “whens.” For example, you may find yourself saying, “it will be different when we are together.” Yes, it will be different. However, you can’t live your life based on the potential for tomorrow. You have to work to make it a great experience today. Don’t accept less than what you deserve only because of promises that it will be better “someday.” Work to make this relationship the best it can be.
7. It Helps to Have a Shared Goal
Although you can’t live for tomorrow, you should have an idea of what you want it to look like. Will you move closer to each other? Do you know where you will live? It helps to have shared goals for the relationship.
Therapy can help you as an individual to improve your long-distance relationship. Learn more about these services here.
Leave a Reply