Finding someone you want to be in a committed relationship with is a rare and wonderful gift. It often comes with a feeling of never wanting to let that person go. However, there could be circumstances that have caused you to live apart from your significant other.
A long-distance relationship comes with many hurdles. Sometimes, these challenges could even make you doubt how long your relationship can last in this arrangement.
These fears are normal to have but rest assured in the knowledge that long-distance relationships can work with effort on both parties. This period of being geographically separated can even be a great way to further deepen your bond.
Communicating Your Commitment to Each Other
Many relationships fail over a lack of communication. Even long-distance, you can maintain trust and security in your relationship by communicating with each other.
- Express love according to their love language.
An LDR will require more effort to show your partner that you love them. You can best cater to their needs by learning what their primary love language or languages are. Dr. Gary Chapman names the five love languages as:
- Physical Touch
- Words of Affirmation
- Quality Time
- Acts of Service
- Gift Giving
Remember that the love language you and your partner prefer to receive is not always the same as what you prefer to give. Knowing both helps you best show your love to each other even from miles away.
One concern comes up: what about when your love language is physical touch? This is challenging to address in an LDR, but it helps to talk to each other about looking forward to finally getting to hold and kiss the other again.
As much as you can, you should also not wait too long to see each other in person so that you can provide the necessary emotional support to your partner. Reassure them whenever you part by having a physical reminder of your commitment, such as men’s and/or ladies’ promise rings that you can both wear.
- Voice what you appreciate about your partner and your relationship.
It is easy for insecurities to creep up and make either half of the LDR feel uneasy. This is why you should express your appreciation for your significant other frequently. These sincere reminders help keep away doubts about the strength of your relationship.
You should also discuss the things you love about your relationship. It is unique, and you both play a great role in making it as great as it is. Remember this whenever you find yourselves comparing your relationship with other couples.
It is completely okay, too, to ask for reassurance when you need it. We all have days when we don’t feel the most confident. Words of support and love are great sources of calm and peace of mind during these moments.
- Don’t stay away from discussing issues.
Any healthy couple encounters their fair share of conflicts. The important thing about these problems is that you address them and work through them together. When issues are ignored, they slowly build up into much bigger ones that become much harder to manage, especially when you are not physically together.
These conversations are awkward to initiate, but it is a team effort that will take some time to get used to. Every time either of you brings a problem up, make sure that you are not cornering your partner into it. Allow them to prepare to share their side of the story for a more fruitful discussion.
- Schedule talks with each other and respect your partner’s time.
There is not always a lot of room for spontaneity in an LDR, especially if you are both in different time zones. Schedule your calls and make sure to show up at your designated time.
There will be times when you will have to reschedule, but don’t abuse it. This is a necessary sacrifice that you should make to stay close and connected with your partner despite the distance.
Remember, too, that you both have individual selves outside of your relationship. Respect the time your partner spends with other people or doing other activities. Then be supportive of each other’s interests, as these are great avenues for self-growth.
One Last Thing: Enjoy Each Other’s Company
Your virtual dates do not always have to be serious and emotional. Even in your time apart, there are many ways to hang out and be in the company of your significant other. These little, fun moments are special in themselves, and they play a role in strengthening your relationship.
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