How To Make Long Distance Relationships Work

Communication is Key Phone calls and video chat apps such as Skype and the iPhone’s FaceTime are key to maintaining healthy long distance relationships. Both partners should get a laptop, tablet, or smartphone to keep regular visual contact with each other.

Trust Each Other This may seem like a no-brainer, but avoiding jealousy in a long distance relationship is very important. After all, it’s impossible to know who your significant other is hanging out with at any given time. As tough as it may be, you have to be supportive of your partner’s social relationships; they can’t become a shut in just because you can’t go out together.

Do Things Together This may seem like an impossibility with distance looming between you, but distance dates are actually possible. Use online communication to do things together such as cooking the same meal at the same time, watching the same movie at the same time, or sitting outside and looking at the stars together. Online dates are a great thing for distanced couples.

Visit Frequently Doing things together virtually is great, but it’s no substitute for true togetherness. Take turns visiting each other, or meet halfway as often as possible to restore intimacy in your relationships. Scheduling these regular visits, even short ones, should be a priority in managing your relationship.

Stay Positive The loneliness of a distance relationship can sometimes feel more depressing than that of being single. Stick with it - things will get better.

Plan for the Future Talking about the future and making plans for how and when you will eliminate the miles from your long distance relationship can help make the separation more bearable.

Appreciate the Distance There are some positives to a long distance relationship. You can appreciate your partner more (absence makes the heart grow fonder), and you avoid all those petty fights over little things. It’s also great for couples who need a certain amount of personal space.

Provide Personal Comfort Give your partner a personal object to wear, carry around, or cuddle with for those moments when the distance just seems too great.

Be Supportive Be there when your partner needs you. Even if you can’t be there physically, be available to talk on the phone, chat online, or video call. Being part of a relationship means providing emotional support, even when its inconvenient. You may not be together physically, but you’ve made an emotional commitment.