Relationships take a lot of work and commitment let alone when it is long-distance. The intensity gets more because of the distance barrier. However, there are couples who can attest to long-distance relationships working based on their experience.
If you are in a long-distance relationship or you intend to go into one, you need adequate information and preparation. The following tips worked for couples who were in long-distance relationships and you can apply them to your own too:
1. Technology is your best friend
Relationships thrive on communication. With technology, you can share that in real time through photos, texts and FaceTime. People in long-distance relationships rely more heavily on technology to stay connected, in some ways technology allows them to communicate verbally even more than couples who see each other [often], but sit in the same room not interacting at all.
2. Be committed to the relationship
It is important to know that you are truly committed to a person before wasting precious time. As you grow older, you don’t time to experiment. You need to be sure if your partner is worth it. What is the purpose of the relationship? Would it meet your expectation if you invest your emotion, time and resources? How well do you trust your partner? Take note of these questions before committing to a long-distance relationship.
3. Set an end date
Dating is not for a lifetime unless you are doing it for fun or with no purpose. As you embark on a long-distance relationship with your partner, you both should have an end date of the dating phase and close the distance barrier to moving your relationship forward.
4. Do stuff together even though you are apart
Just because you aren’t physically in the same place doesn’t mean you can’t have fun together. You can plan a movie night together via Skype where you can watch the same movie even when you’re in different places. Netflix, or other streaming services, makes it easier than ever to binge-watch shows with your partner. You can try some online quizzes or games together, and discussing the results to spark new and interesting conversations.
5. Stick to a schedule
Time is precious. To keep long-distance relationships going you need to actually see one another, know when you are going to see each other and be able to trust that the other person will stick to that plan. Don’t wait for long periods of time without seeing each other.
6. Set clear rules and boundaries
Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want the other person to see on social media. Do your best to stay out of situations that might make your long-distance partner feel uncomfortable or threatened — within reason. You don’t need to check-in before or get approval for every social interaction with your partner, but you should set clear boundaries and rules that work for the both of you and adhere to them.