How to make long-distance relationships work
Being away from one's sweetheart is terrible! A really good relationship is worth whatever it takes to be in the same place, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. But, strong relationships can survive long distances. Here's how:
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- Communication and lots of it- The most important part of any relationship is communication right? What's the point of being together if you don't talk about everything and anything? Luckily there are more ways to communicate long distance now than ever before. There are free mobile to mobile cell phone minutes, text messaging, emailing, instant messaging, and on and on. With all of these inexpensive ways to communicate, there should be lots of it all day long. That will help make a long-distance relationship work.
- Listening- The hardest part about communicating long-distance is that you can't see each other face to face to pick up on nonverbal communication. It is harder to know how a person really feels and what they are really thinking when you can't see them face to face. So practice being a better listener. This will help you to pick up on some of the nonverbal cues that you won't be able to see.
- Trust- Obviously a long-distance relationship requires a lot of trust. Hopefully the long-distance situation is only temporary, because it is really hard to be loyal to someone who you never see. But it is important that both people have a lot of trust for the other person. This trust means not worrying about that beautiful, single coworker that your companion sees everyday. Trust also means not having to call every five minutes to check and see what the other person is doing and who they are with.
- Interdependence- Really good relationships require some interdependence. This may sound completely opposite of what most people would expect. Don't we all want to be independent and strong? Sure. But relationships are about interdependence. That's what makes them work. If you don't need your partner, then why are you with them? Develop interdependence by needing to tell that person everything that you are feeling, needing to be with that person, needing emotional support, and needing physical intimacy.
- Lots of visits- Try to make lots of visits. It's hard to keep up a good relationship when you never see the person. You need time face to face to make memories, relive old memories, be intimate, have fun, and just be together. Let's face it, relationships have to involve sex which means being in the same place. So don't tempt your sweetie by being gone too long; it will never work! Be sure to keep your long-distance relationship working by seeing each other often.
- Coordinating activities- A fun way to keep a long-distance relationship alive is to coordinate activities. One activity to try together is renting and watching the same movie together at the same time. Talk on the phone during the movie. Play video games or computer games against each other. Or find other activities that you can enjoy at the same time.
- Send pictures- When you are away from the person that you love the most, you can never get enough pictures. Take pictures on your phone and send them during the day. Make a calendar with a new picture of the two of you or just you each month. Send pictures in emails. Make a blog spot together or a web page. Join an online program for exchanging pictures.
All in all, the long-distance relationship is definitely not the first option for a great relationship. But it can work. And these great tips will help your long-distance relationships survive!
