Statistics show that approximately 14 million people in the United States are currently in long distance relationships.
But how many of these relationships will actually work out? If you
don’t want to end up a long distance relationship breakup statistic,
here are six ways to keep your relationship together when you’re living
far apart.
Communicate often. In order to make a
long distance relationship work, you have to be able to frequently
communicate with your partner. And thanks to today’s technology, it’s
never been easier to keep in touch with your beau or babe when you can’t
physically touch.
Whether your partner’s across the state,
country or halfway around the world, you can call, email, text, Facebook
message, FaceTime, Skype and video chat to your heart’s content with
the person who stole your heart. By communicating on a regular basis,
you can still share your days and nights together, even when you’re
physically apart.
Keep things intimate. Another way to keep a long distance relationship booming is by keeping the intimacy levels pumped up.
Unlike typical couples who can spend a lot of
time together both in and out of the bedroom, it’s important for you to
get creative and use today’s technology to keep the passion increasing
between you and your partner. Whether it’s a flirty text exchange,
late-night phone call or an intriguing Skype session, don’t let the long
distance cool down the hot and heavy feelings you have for one another.
Surprise each other.
If you want to keep your long distance relationship as thrilling as
possible, it’s important to keep your partner on his or her toes.
Sending your partner handwritten notes and love letters are always a
popular choice (think “The Notebook”), but don’t let the inspiration stop there.
Surprising
your girlfriend with little hints and reminders that let her know that
you’re thinking about her, whether it’s sending roses to her office or a
bottle of champagne to her table when she’s out with friends, these sweet nothings
mean a lot in a long distance relationship. In fact, they can help you
both stay excited and engaged in your relationship even when you’re far
apart.
Have something to look forward to. When
you’re in a long distance relationship, you should try to establish some
sort of timeline of when you’ll be able to see each other again in
person. Whether it’s a couple of weeks, months or after a deployment,
it’s important for both parties in a long distance relationship to have a
shared goal in mind so you both can have something to plan for and
eagerly anticipate. With your schedules and monetary requirements in
mind, you can create a realistic timetable together so that you’re both
excited about your next visit.
Find balance in your life at home.
Sometimes when you’re in a long distance relationship, it can be
tempting to isolate yourself from what’s happening around you. But you
shouldn’t become a shut-in just because your girlfriend is a
shuttle-ride away. In fact, staying social
and involved in the activities, passions and pursuits that you enjoy is
an important part of any relationship, but especially a relationship
where you don’t get to see your significant other that frequently.
Your
entire world doesn’t revolve around your long distance relationship, so
stay true to yourself and maintain your identity. Besides, this will
give you and your partner much more to talk about later!
Have an overall plan for the future.
When you enter into a long distance relationship, you should be on the
same page as your partner in terms of a final endpoint. Is this long
distance relationship for a few weeks? Months? Years? Do either of you
foresee yourself moving for the other person down the road? As long as
you both have the same realistic expectations about what the future may
bring, you can keep your long distance relationship happy, healthy and
close in many ways.
By Stacey Laura Lloyd
Happy & Healthy Relationships Expert
