10 Tips to Make Long Distance Relationships Work

Let’s talk, relationships! When discussing well-being, relationships need to be part of the conversation. As social beings, we have an innate need to connect with other people. Hence, the quality of our relationships contributes considerably to our overall health and well-being, whether it’s a platonic, intimate or familial relationship. Healthy relationships provide us with a sense of belonging and security which has benefits for our mental well-being such as increased happiness and life satisfaction.

Long distance romantic relationships have become the new norm for many people around the world, especially during this global pandemic and period of self-isolation. Being away from your partner has it’s challenges and maintaining the connection takes a lot of determination, but here are a few things you can do to make the distance a little more bearable, until you reunite!

1. Communication

Communication is a BIG aspect of any relationship and good communication can help your relationship develop. In long distance relationships, this is especially important to help you have a healthy relationship and resolve conflict.

2. Plan things to do when you reunite

It can be hard going weeks or months without physically being with your significant other but planning dates or things to do when you see each other can help you get through hard times and give you something to look forward to.

3. Skype/Facetime dates

Luckily, we can stay connected with all this technology these days and video calls are the perfect way to do so. You can have virtual dates where you both eat at the same time and catch up. You could order out or cook a meal at the same time. Maybe even try making something new together. Be creative with your virtual dates.

Another fun date idea is a virtual ‘sip n’ paint’ date where you paint or draw something together. You can purchase affordable paint sets online or just use a pen/pencil. Think of different ways to enjoy each other’s’ company. If you’re in different countries and there is a time difference, this can still be done. Just embrace it!

4. Set goals

Set a goal for when/how you plan to close the distance and work towards that. It provides reassurance that the distance isn’t forever. You can also help each other achieve personal goals (physically, financially, spiritually) and hold each other accountable.

5. Watch things together, read a book, teach eachother things

You can watch shows or films with each other at the same time (Netflix party can be

used). Even reading the same book, discussing interesting topics or teaching

each other about different things is a great way to expand your conversations and connect with one another.

6. Share pics/videos throughout day

You can do things in sync or sharing what you get up to throughout the day can make you feel a bit more involved with each other’s day-to-day lives.

7. Do online quizzes or play games

This is a great way to do something fun together! You could take quizzes such as the Love Language Quiz (by Gary Chapman) to find out a bit more about the way the other

wants to be loved. You can even play games on iMessage (by downloading the Game Pigeon feature on the app store) or downloading the fightlist app.

8. Do virtual workouts

Working out together or keeping fitness goals is a great way to ensure fitness is incorporated into your day. There are loads of Instagram workouts and YouTube videos to join in with, or create your own. Exercise also improves your mental health - better mental health contributes to a healthier, happier relationship with your spouse!

9. Surprise each other

Doing cute things for each other is still possible despite distance! Surprises such as

sending your spouse a random gift - even if it's small. A simple sweet gesture like a card or thoughtful handwritten letter can remind your spouse that you’re thinking of them. It’s the thought that counts.

10. Show love and appreciation

This is another great tip for long distance relationships! Showing your spouse love and appreciation goes a long way and can make you both feel loved. Think about ways you can express gratitude and appreciation to your partner. Is it with a nice message or gesture? Everyone loves a bit of appreciation and it’s important to give it to each other, especially when you’re apart.

I hope these tips have been useful for you, have you tried any of these before? I’d love to know which activities you have found most helpful!

- Written by Fiona Williams (Inside Out UK Team)