Eight Ways to Successfully Navigate a Long-Distance Relationship

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So you met a guy and hit it off. It all clicked. But great, you live 1800 miles apart (plug in the distance). Now what? Meeting someone organically isn't any easy task these days. Meeting someone that checks all your boxes and you have chemistry with is even more of a rarity. Give the long distance thing a go. What do you have to lose? Afterall, you may have found your one and only time will tell.

All relationships are hard work, but navigating a long-distance relationship presents unique challenges as well as opportunities. Two genuine advantages are cultivating a deep friendship and emotional connection. Many people in the same city miss these opportunities to share this unique bond because the physical attraction overpowers them. Then, the relationship tends to fizzle fast because they realize they have little in common.

Many couples are more comfortable talking on the phone and texting than having deep conversations in person. Long-distance can propel your relationship to the next level faster than living in the same town. It also creates mystery and intrigue. It lengthens "the chase."

Ways to Strengthen a Long-Distance Relationship

• Take each other on virtual tours of your towns.
• Have dinner together on video chat.
• Text each other good morning and call each other before bed. It is important not to rely solely on text. Talking at the end of the day allows for a closer connection. Be patient with text replies during the day, as your significant other may be busy at work(do not jump to conclusions).
• Set boundaries. Discuss how often you will talk, how frequently you will physically visit each other, and how long you can endure the distance before merging lives.
• Plan trips together, not only to each other's towns but to other special places.
• Be each other's plus one for all important events.
• Have an emergency budget for unplanned visits if one person is down and needs a surprise.
• Surprise each other with care packages and cards in the mail.

Final Thoughts

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Strong communication, trust, loyalty, commitment, and effort can make long-distance relationships successful. Get creative and have fun with it. Be flirty and send each other photos!

Having distance creates mystery and gives you free time to do your own thing. It gives you more to talk about. You have the relationship without being smothered. In many ways, it is the best of both worlds. Avoid being clingy. It takes confidence to handle distance, and it is not for the faint of heart, but it can create a healthy, strong foundation for a lasting relationship.

If you are mutually in love, creating a long-term plan for merging your worlds is essential. Communicate openly about fears and concerns as you consider all of the options.

Thank you for reading this. If you have experience with long-term relationships, please comment and share your experience. I wish you the very best in life and love.

Peace & Light,

Libby