Relationships are honestly so difficult to find these days. One minute you think you are making headway. Next thing, you’re back on these streets going on dates and answering ‘tell me about yourself’ questions. Don’t feel off for being single sha. See, even the ones that are in it are seeing stress. This thing no easy for anybody. So, imagine finally finding someone so fitting who ticks all the boxes. They are responsible, have sense, treats you like a princess. Only for the relationship to be across country borders, state lines and intercontinental oceans. That one can pain o.
Long distance relationships are tricky, difficult to navigate and require a lot of mental willpower. Especially if you’re both adults with responsibilities, tasks, and workload. There’s already a lot to consider and you’re adding the fact that you are not physically close to each other. But it’s worked before, and it continues to work for people. So, what’s the secret?
Carry each other along for the journey. It is an intentional thing to do to keep your partner in the loop about what’s going on in your life. You know those happenings at work that you think are inconsequential, you can still tell them about it. Tell them about the boss that annoyed you or the one that commended your work. Tell them about your route and traffic and about if you liked what you had for breakfast. Of course, make it an experience and not about nagging or complaining. It builds trust and makes them feel like they are a big part of your life. This will help lessen or eliminate any chances of insecurities you may feel for not being around each other.
You can also plan dates like you would in a normal relationship. Just because you don’t see each other physically doesn’t mean you should throw date night out the window. You just have to get a little more creative with this. Watching the same movie, watching an online documentary or playing an online game while on the phone with each other, You can also have a dinner date together via video chat and pull out all the stops like seating at a table with candles and wine and flowers while eating the same or similar food. You can also go for a walk together while talking to each other, just make sure it’s safe. You can go on virtual tours together while showing each other the scenic parts of your individual cities and making plans for when you come visit. You can even have a bubble bath together and set the mood with candles and all the works.
Most importantly, be clear in your communication. Don’t assume you know what the other person is thinking, or assume they know what you expect in the relationship. Share boundaries and expectations and try not to get into trouble by exploring other partners or keeping company that could lead you to sticky situations in the relationship. It could get lonely, but when you both get to see each other again, it makes it more worth it.
Lastly, try not to over communicate. As much as you want to make up for the distance, talking long long hours every day can get boring quickly. Communicate effectively and creatively but the goal is not to suffocate each other. Long distance relationships are not the easiest thing at all, and people can try to discourage you. But if you both have your heart in it and want to make it work, it is not unachievable.