How to maintain a long-distance relationship
Research once stated that forty percent of long-distance relationships end in tears and on average those relationships last just five to six months. However, studies have also shown that long-distance relationship quality does not differ significantly from geographically close relationships, although learning how to maintain it is the key to having a lasting, successful relationship.
Instead of being negative and giving up on your sweet love story all because of distance, why not put on an optimistic coat and let us explore ways to survive a long-distance relationship.
Here are 5 hacks for maintaining and surviving a long-distance relationship.
Communication
Communication is as important as love in a long-distance relationship. Devoting extensive free time to catching up can be a tremendous gift—so long as you’re both on the same page about it. Phone calls, text messages, and face-timing with your partner help to bridge the gap between two lovers. Doing a check-in during the mornings and in the evenings before going to bed is also really important. That way you feel like you’ve connected at the beginning and end of your days.
Discuss with each other what works for the general frequency and length of time you will spend texting, talking, or video chatting in a day or week. And be open to modifying your communication tendencies as life creates new and unexpected demands.
Build Trust
The key to maintaining a strong long-distance relationship is complete honesty and trust. Very often being apart can stir up feelings of jealousy, insecurity, or abandonment. These feelings are common, but they’re important to discuss. “Trust is critical,” Cubberly says. “Responsiveness can help build trust, so as openness and honesty.” Be open and honest with each other because, without absolute trust, the mind will always be filled with negative thoughts and the relationship may quickly crumble. Also, always reassure your partner about your feelings for them. This will go a long way in strengthening your love for each other and bringing peace to the mind of your partner.
Visit as frequently as possible
Make a regular visiting schedule or plans to catch up with your partner to share a bond and intimacy together. Ensure you maximize every little time you will have to spend with your partner. Create memories and moments that will linger in your heart for a long period of time. some interesting activities to try include:
-Watching a movie together
-Planning date nights
-Taking a hobby together
-Cooking and eating meals together
-Taking a walk.
-Make sure every time together should be channeled and dedicated towards activities that are capable of increasing the love between you two.
Send surprise gifts
When you can’t be together in person, sending gifts is a special way to show your partner how much you love and miss them. No matter what it is; a pendant, a ring, a keychain, a collection of songs and videos, a bouquet, or a perfume bottle, always send them a surprise care package. It’s the thought that counts, so any long-distance relationship gift you send is sure to bring a smile to your beloved’s face. Take care of them as if you were there. For instance; If you know their feeling under the weather, then get food delivered to them or a package with their favorite candy and a cute note if you know they’re going through a tough period.
Stay positive
Yes, the waiting can be painful, but you need to constantly inject positive energy into the long-distance relationship to keep it alive. Always try to avoid assumptions, doubts, comparison, and competition rather try to always remember and respect the reason you are apart and always focus on the positive sides of your relationship. Never jump to conclusions or make quick judgments. Be willing to willing to ask questions and clarify any information that’s on your mind. Always remember that long-distance relationships offer some benefits that couples who live in the same place don’t have.
It is true that a long-distance relationship is challenging, but not impossible. If others can make it work, you can too.
And remember, distance doesn’t separate people, silence does.
By Fatimah.