5 Ways to Keep the Spark Alive When You’re In a Long Distance Relationship
Some feel that being in a long-distance relationship makes the heart grow fonder. Others, however, compare long-distance relationships to buying a car after you have only seen its picture. So, who has it right?
All relationships, whether long-distance or close romance, require work and team effort to make things work. If you want to keep the spark alive, it’s also important to show romantic gestures to your partner. The separation can be a challenge, but one that can be, and has been, successfully overcome. Many couples have been able to wade through the murky waters of a long-distance relationship and come out intact. Consider the following suggestions:
1. Communicate
Communication or the lack of it can either make or break a relationship. In this digital age, we have access to gadgets and devices that make round-the-clock communication possible. With the availability of this technology, it means that you can devote as much time as you both want to communicate together and catch up.
Just make sure that you agree on the level and frequency of communication that sits comfortably for both of you. Some people find it exhausting to talk every day, while others want to communicate every hour. Remember to be flexible to adjustments as life creates unexpected or new demands.
2. “Be There.”
It will probably not be possible for either of you to show up as much as you would like and reassure the other person with a hug. Therefore, you will need to connect and reassure each other emotionally.
Make your partner a priority. For instance, if she has a milestone day, make it a point to call in advance or surprise her with flowers to show that you are there for her. Being there for someone will go a long way to quell the insecurities, doubts, and jealousy that often plague long-distance relationships.
If you are not sure of where you stand in the relationship, ask your partner for reassurance in return.
3. Schedule For In-Person Time Together
As far as is humanly possible, try to work out your schedules so that you can regularly spend holidays, weekends, or vacations together in person. When you finally get together, do not shy away from discussing uneasy topics. Talk honestly and openly to preempt tiny issues that creep up and balloon into larger ones. Doing so will eventually improve the health of your relationship.
Remember to plan for positive activities that will make delightful memories for the time you will be apart.
4. Pursue Common Interests
In long-distance relationships, you are both compelled to do things more independently than in a regular relationship. This distance may strain your relationship and pull the two of you in different directions. That is why you need to make your long-distance relationship interdependent.
Take up activities that interest you both. Can you do these activities together even though you are apart? Begin a running or cycling routine. Take up gardening lessons, learn to play a sport, watch the same show while on the phone together, play games online, read the same book. These activities will help both of you to become interdependent and connected in the long run.
5. Plan on Merging Your Worlds
For your relationship to mean something, at some point, you will both need to come up with a plan to merge your separate worlds. You can avoid an impending breakup even if one of you is taking up a new job in London while the other is moving to Hong Kong.
Will it resort to marriage, relocation, change in jobs, and other factors? Having a goal of eventually being together will help the both of you to stick it out even when things get tough.