How to keep your long distance relationship strong
Long distance relationships can be very difficult. Physical separation on any relationship is tough, and having extended, long distance (sometimes cross-country or continental distance) can be extra difficult! However, with a little bit of creativity, you can turn something potentially hard, into something that grows you closer together.
Use technology to your benefit—calls, video chats, & messages!
Spending time together is probably the biggest hurdle that long distance couples have to overcome, but with today's technology, it can be more manageable. Aside from the phone calls, there are a myriad of things couples can do to "be together" while in different states or time zones. On that note, it's very important to be able to set up standard times to call one another. Plan ahead of time so that you and your partner are on the same page about the best times to have these calls.
FaceTiming or Skyping one another is also essential. If it's difficult to coordinate time to be in front of your phone, where you can have some private time, you can also create little video grams for one another. Embrace your creativity. You can even do little skits or leave vlogs for one another.
Send care packages and letters
Speaking of leaving things for each other. Care packages are a great way to surprise your significant other, especially if they're in a country or city away from home and feeling homesick. If you have something in your town that they can't get in their town, like a particular snack, it's a great way to send a little bit of "home" to them. Along with the care package, you can send a written note.
Writing notes is also one of the best ways to get to know each other. Make it a game! Ask each other tough questions, questions that provoke thought and maybe need more time to respond than an in-person chat. Letter-writing is also nice. While e-mails are good, and you can write each other often, receiving snail mail can be quite romantic. There's something about handwritten letters that just reverberates with personal intimacy.
Get creative with your date nights
And just because you're long-distance, it doesn't mean you can't be on dates together. You can do things like watching a movie together. Order some takeout, turn Netflix on, cue up the same movie, count down from three, and hit play at the same time. If you're the "talk during the movie" type, your phone or FaceTime allows for just that! And it doesn't have to just end with talking about movies. Make a book club of two. Play online games together.
Visit and explore places together
Finally, and perhaps the best tip for long distance couples, plan visits to see each other. A creative alternative to just flying out to where your partner is to meet in the middle. This is a great way to travel and vacation to new places together! Instead of leaving from the same place, you just leave from your respective cities. How exciting and fresh it is to look forward to going to a new place, but all the more so, because you'll be meeting up with your love! You can share in that hug and kiss at the airport in a brand new city just waiting to be explored!
Writer Bio: Dr. Annie Hsueh, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY25708) in the South Bay Los Angeles area. She has dedicated her career towards helping couples develop more joy and connection in their relationships. She sees clients throughout California via secure online therapy platforms.