17 Tips to Keep your Long-Distance Relationship Strong

Every relationship will face some challenges, but long-distance relationships are especially challenging. It is hard to keep the spark alive and keep yourself sane, when you cannot be with your partner every day. One does not get the same benefits of being physically present, or the ability to hold them in your arms after an argument, or being able to share things as they happen. At the same time, with the right attitude and method of communication, you can make it work.

Here is a list of valuable tips to help you keep your long-distance relationship strong:

1 Make sure you have regular Skype dates with your partner

It is normal when you are a long-distance couple to feel like you don’t get to see each other enough. How good to know that today you have several options to at least virtually see each other, even if one of you lives in another city or country. Skype or Zoom enable you to have face-to-face talks … Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram are some other options.

Technological development is amazing in all the possibilities it offers for us to communicate over long distances – on a personal, as well as business level. Make sure you use of all that is being offered to you, in order to ‘see’ and talk with your partner every day.

2 Spend quality time whenever you can meet in person

You are a long-distance couple, so you should really take advantage of the time that you can see each other in person. Plan your days ahead of time, instead of casually talking or going out to eat spontaneously. Pick a goal for the day, such as visiting a museum, going to the beach or to see a specific event, like a concert. Spending real quality time strengthens the bond of any couple, but especially the one in a long distance relationship.

3 Make sure you both know each other’s schedules

If you live far apart from each other, you need to stay on top of each other’s schedules. Making sure you know your partner’s schedule – and him knowing yours – will make it easier for both of you to plan seeing each other.

4 Start a journal

Keeping a journal of your relationship can be very romantic. It gives you the chance to write about everything, including what your partner is like, how much they mean to you, what you have been doing, and how much fun you have together.

5 Make time for each other as often as possible

Even if you are busy with your studies or work, try to make time for your partner regularly. Especially in a long distance relationship, it is important to stay connected. You do not want to let your relationship suffer because you are too busy.

6 Always take care of yourself

It is important and very beneficial to take care of your physical – as well as mental – health daily. Eat healthy, exercise, and put regular breaks in your schedule so that you can relax and recharge. You might be frustrated and sad about not having your partner near, but that’s no reason to stop taking care of yourself.

7 Keep the spark alive

Even if you are not able to speak to or see each other some times, keep that spark alive. Take a moment to send your love a quick photo or write him a short greeting via WhatsApp. Record a quick message, telling him how much he means to you – he will be delighted to hear from you and can probably check his messages even in the middle of a business meeting.

8 Encourage your partner to communicate

At times you might be putting a lot of effort into your long-distance relationship, but your partner does not seem to be doing anything. Be honest in communicating your frustration and disappointment. Your partner might just be unusually busy at work or stressed out for some other reason. It is so important to communicate, especially when you are not able to be with each other and cannot know what’s going on.

9 Make sure you are both happy with the relationship

It might be a good idea to reflect on the status of your relationship from time to time – after you have been together for a while. Even if you don’t really seem to see a need to be talking about this, sometimes it is still beneficial to reflect. That way, you can ensure that your relationship is satisfying enough to both of you, and that you want to continue it.

10 Share the same goals and keep them in mind

Though you may be in a long-distance relationship with someone, you still want to make sure that it lasts. It is helpful to share common goals and to keep those in mind as your relationship progresses.

11 Start a new hobby together

If you find that your hobbies are totally different, try to learn something new from each other. Take time out of your days and nights to understand each other’s culture and learn about each other’s hobbies. Maybe even start a new hobby, which you both can share whenever you have the chance to see each other.

12 Do not rely solely on technology

Make sure you use other methods of communication. Everyone uses technology, but what if the internet goes down? Make sure you have his complete address, his landline phone number, and a phone plan with unlimited texting, so that you are still able to connect.

13 Work on an alternative to the long-distance relationship

Work on an alternative option, if you find that you are really in love with your long distance partner, but that your long-distance relationship is too much for you both to handle. Once you both have reached that point of definitely wanting to stay together, start talking about and checking out options in regards to one of you moving to the other one”s city.

14 Focus on quality communication

You do not need to talk every hour of the day, but be sure that you are emotionally present for your partner when you do connect. If you feel like your communication is low, focus on it. Do not focus on quantity over quality.

15 Do not over-plan your time in person

Do not plan out everything you are going to do with your partner whenever you are able to meet in person. It’s good to plan some activities ahead of time, but also be sure to leave some time just for the two of you to be by yourselves .. and to be spontaneous.

16 Balance social media and long-distance communication

If you have each other’s social media information, make sure to use it. Social media is a great way to keep each other informed about what is going on – you can see each others’ pictures and follow your partner’s activities. Following your partner’s Instagram account can never replace talking to him over the phone, but it’s an additional opportunity to ‘see’ him.

17 Be open to change

After a certain amount of time, one – or both – of you might find yourself in a different situation. Maybe one person wants to get married, or one of you is moving back home. It is tempting to fight change, but the fact is, life constantly brings about change, which will affect your relationship. So, instead of fighting to keep change from coming, try to look for other options that could help make the relationship still worthwhile for both of you.

The bottom line

Long distance relationships are for the brave. There is nothing easy about it – except maybe the fact that you always have enough time to yourself. However, they are rewarding nonetheless. Do not let the challenge of ‘long-distance’ get to you – not if you believe you have found that Mr. Right. Sometimes, physical space enhances the longevity of a relationship, and it could very well be that you are going to be with your partner for a long time.