Dealing With Distance- Building A Solid Long-Distance Relationship
No one really wants to be in a long distance relationship, but sometimes life circumstances make it unavoidable. You and your partner may attend different colleges, or one of you may be transferred abroad temporarily for work. It is possible to keep your relationship going despite the distance, but it does take a little extra work. Read on for some tips on keeping your relationship strong:
Set Boundaries Up Front
If you’re married, this is probably a no-brainer. But if your relationship is still young, it’s important to have a conversation about what your expectations are in terms of fidelity. You and your partner may feel comfortable causally dating while you’re separated, or you might get upset if your mate spends any time with the opposite sex at all. Be realistic with yourself and your personality, and speak up! You’ll save yourself hours of stress and worry by clearly communicating your needs up front.
When you’re in love, being apart is hard. So make the distance between you seem smaller by making simple gestures that show your partner how loved he or she is. Talking on the phone can get boring, so send your partner a small photo album full of pictures of you or a video you’ve taken of your favorite spots. Or send a care package with stuffed animals, cookies and other trinkets that show how much you care.
Use Technology
It used to be that couples in long distance relationships could only communicate via handwritten letters and long distance calling cards. However, today’s separated couples have a lot more options. Set up your computers with web cams and use free tools like Skype’s VOIP program to stay in touch. Arrange a special time to meet online each day or once a week to keep your connection alive. You can also use a private blog to send each other updates or instant messaging services to chat in real time.
Expect Complications
Being apart from the one you love is hard. While movies may make it seem romantic, actually living in a long distance relationship can be full of frustration. You’ll experience feelings of loneliness and guilt, and you may question whether or not you’re doing the right thing. You might find yourself attracted to a new person simply because of his or her proximity – even if it’s someone you’d never consider if your partner was nearby.
Absence doesn’t always make the heart grow fonder. Long distance relationships can start out with the best of intentions, but can crumble if both partners aren’t totally committed. If you find yourself feeling trapped by the relationship – as if you’re missing out on life because of your partner – it might be time to end the relationship. On the other hand, working together to build a strong relationship that can stand up to long distances shows that you can handle any challenge thrown into your path. Follow your heart – if you’re still happy in the relationship, then all the extra effort will be worth it.