Long Distance Relationship Tips
So Far Away...But Still Close
Today more and more couples find themselves in a long distance relationship, something that isn't new but seems to be more common now. The reasons for being in such a relationship are many: Some couples meet online and live in different geographical locations, until one of them decides to move to be closer. Military personnel are often in a long distance relationship while one of the spouses is deployed. The stress of deployment and of being separated from the spouse and children is a difficult thing to handle. Other couples find themselves in a long distance relationship because one of the partners found employment in another state or another country.
Some people aren't cut out for a long distance relationship and have a hard time maintaining a healthy, strong relationship when they aren't able to be physically present. There may be insecurities that grow stronger while apart, and the spouses' presence is desperately needed to calm the anxieties. Unfaithfulness is a major concern for many when they are away from their partner. For some, physical (sexual) needs are so strong that the relationship can't survive from a distance. Others have a strong need to depend on their partner daily and a long distance relationship doesn't allow that dependence.
There are several things that can help a long distance relationship stay strong:
-Realize that this kind of relationship is unique and requires extra effort to stay connected.
-Make time every day to communicate with your loved one, preferably at a regular time of day. My husband and I talk or chat most days around late afternoon/early evening.
-Use Skype to have "date nights", where you eat dinner "together", listen to music together or even watch a movie together.
-Send daily emails, text messages or voice messages to let your partner know that you're thinking about them throughout the day.
-When you're doing something fun or interesting, have a friend snap a photo with your smartphone and send it to your sweety. He/she will appreciate the fact that you wanted to share that moment with them and they will feel that they are a part of it.
-Actively plan your next trip to see each other and count down the days. When I'm headed back to the U.S. and I'm going to be away from my husband, I go ahead and purchase my airline ticket for my next trip to see him. This makes the "goodbyes" easier, knowing that I already have the next trip scheduled.
-Don't sit around feeling bad. Get busy with your life, and time will fly. Before you know it, it will be time to be together again and you'll be in each others' arms.
Some of the advantages of long distance relationships are: While apart, each person can enjoy a certain level of independence, while knowing that someone far away cares for them. They never get tired of each other and are always happy to be together. Every day together is a good day and is not taken for granted. It's a gift!
