Whether you’ve opted for a long-distance relationship from the start or a job change has caused temporary distance, knowing how to handle long-distance relationships is a unique skill that can make or break your relationship.
It’s no secret that long-distance relationships take more work than a regular relationship, but with our 8 expert tips and some extra bits of advice, you can keep your relationship strong and exciting, even when you’re thousands of miles apart.
8 Top Tips to Make a Long-Distance Relationship Work
We’ve asked our relationship experts to give you their top 8 pieces of long distance relationship advice. These tips can help you create a strong foundation for your relationship while you’re apart and beyond.
#1 Make Sure Your Communication is Good
Strong and healthy communication is key to making a long-distance relationship work. When you’re miles apart, being open and honest with each other keeps the connection alive. Sharing your thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences regularly helps you stay emotionally close, even when you’re far away.
Take advantage of technology – whether it’s phone calls, video chats, or messaging apps – to keep each other in the loop. Clear communication lets you understand each other’s needs, handle any concerns, and stay emotionally strong together.
#2 Make Time for Romantic Calls
In a long-distance relationship, making time for romantic phone calls is so important. It’s your chance to focus on each other and feel close, even when you’re miles apart.
Setting aside specific times for these calls gives you both the opportunity to share sweet moments, express your love, and have deep, meaningful conversations rather than talking about life admin.
These calls aren’t just about keeping the spark alive – they’re a reminder of how much you mean to each other and how strong your connection really is.
#3 Always Have a Date or Visit to Look Forward To
In a long-distance relationship, having a date or visit to look forward to is essential for staying connected and keeping the excitement alive. Here’s why it matters:
| • Anticipation & Excitement: Knowing a visit is coming creates excitement and gives both partners something to look forward to, breaking the monotony of being apart. • Building Emotional Connection: Planning a future visit strengthens your bond and gives you a shared goal to work toward. • Creating Memorable Moments: Visits or planned dates let you create special memories, whether it’s exploring a new place, a romantic getaway, or a virtual dinner. • Maintaining Commitment: A planned visit reinforces your commitment and reminds you both that you’re willing to make the relationship work despite the distance. • Countering Loneliness: A planned date offers comfort and reassurance, reminding you that the time apart is temporary and you’ll reunite soon. |
Having a date or visit to look forward to keeps your relationship exciting, strengthens your bond, and helps you navigate the challenges of distance.
#4 Be Slow to Judge & Talk Things Out
Long-distance relationships aren’t easy, but one thing you’ve got to remember is not to jump to conclusions.
When you’re apart, it’s so easy to overthink or misread stuff. That’s why open and honest communication is everything. If something’s on your mind, talk about it. Take the time to really listen to each other and share how you’re feeling.
It’ll build trust, keep your connection strong, and stop small misunderstandings from turning into big fights.
#5 Avoid Over-Scheduling Phone Calls
Regular communication is super important in a long-distance relationship, but over-scheduling calls can kill the vibe.
Planning every call to the minute makes things feel rigid and boring, right? Instead, leave some room for flexibility and surprises. There’s something magical about an unexpected call or a spontaneous chat that keeps things exciting.
Finding a balance between planned and impromptu conversations will make your relationship feel more fun, dynamic, and full of little surprises!
#6 Don’t Be Afraid to Sext!
In a long-distance relationship, keeping the spark alive is so important. Sexting – sending flirty or suggestive messages, photos, or videos – can be a great way to keep the passion and connection strong.
It’s a fun way to explore your desires, show your attraction, and build anticipation for when you’re finally together again. When done right, it can bring you closer emotionally and keep the physical connection alive, even from miles away.
| Tips for Sending the Perfect Sext Message: 1. Set the Mood: Create a seductive atmosphere with flirty, playful messages. Use descriptive language to build anticipation, engage your partner’s imagination, and make them feel desired. 2. Start Slow & Build: Begin with subtle hints and gradually increase the intensity. Let the excitement grow naturally, keeping your partner eager for your next message. 3. Be Creative & Specific: Use vivid language to describe your desires and fantasies. Add sensory details and be specific about what excites you, tailoring it to both your preferences. |
#7 Trust Your Partner
Trust is everything in a long-distance relationship. When you can’t be with your partner all the time, it’s even more important to trust them completely. You need to feel confident in their commitment, loyalty, and honesty.
Building that trust comes down to open, honest communication, being reliable, and showing them they can count on you, too.
When you nurture trust, you create a strong foundation that keeps your connection solid, no matter how many miles are between you.
#8 Make Sure You Prioritise Each Other
Making each other a priority is key to keeping a long-distance relationship strong and avoiding loneliness. Even with the physical distance, finding ways to include your partner in your daily life can keep the connection strong and stable.
When you make an effort to prioritise your partner and involve them in your life, it helps keep your relationship at the centre of everything and makes the distance feel a little less overwhelming.
Plus, it brings you closer and makes the whole experience a lot easier to handle.
Long-Distance Dating Ideas
Keeping the spark alive in a long-distance relationship is so important, and it doesn’t have to be boring! Here are seven fun and creative date ideas to keep things exciting:
| 1. Virtual Movie Night: Pick a movie, grab your favourite snacks, and press play at the same time. Chat through video while you watch and share all your reactions – it’s almost like being on the couch together! 2. Cook & Eat Together: Plan a virtual cooking date! Pick a recipe, hop on a video call, and cook together step by step. Then, sit down and enjoy your meal “together” from wherever you are. 3. Book Club Date: Find a book you both like, read it at your own pace, and then set up a little book club chat to talk about your favourite parts, characters, or any wild plot twists! 4. Online Game Night: Get competitive (or team up!) with an online multiplayer game. Whether it’s trivia, puzzles, or a co-op adventure, it’s a great way to laugh and bond. 5. Virtual Tour: Explore a museum, art gallery, or even a zoo together online. Share your screen, check out the exhibits, and chat about all your favourite finds. 6. DIY Craft Date: Pick a fun craft or project and work on it together during a video call. Swap ideas, show off your progress, and laugh at any “Pinterest fails”! 7. Surprise Date in a Box: Send each other a themed box with snacks, little gifts, and an activity idea. It’s like unboxing a mini date – and who doesn’t love surprises? |
Who says distance has to get in the way of fun dates? Give these a try, and keep the connection going strong!
Long-Distance Gifts to Make Them Feel Special
Keeping the spark alive in a long-distance relationship isn’t always easy, but thoughtful gifts can help close the gap and show your partner just how much they mean to you.
Here are a few ideas to make them feel extra special:
| 1. Customised Photo Album: Gather your favourite memories into a photo album or scrapbook. Add little notes or captions to make it even more personal – it’s a guaranteed smile-maker. 2. Surprise Care Packages: Pack a box full of their favourite snacks, little goodies, and a handwritten letter. It’s like sending a hug in the mail. 3. Matching Bracelets or Necklaces: Pick out matching pieces of jewellery that symbolise your connection. It’s a sweet, everyday reminder of your love. 4. Virtual Date Night Kit: Put together a virtual date night with movie ideas, snacks, and something interactive to do together. It’s a fun way to make the distance feel smaller, even just for an evening. 5. “Open When” Letters: Write a bunch of “Open When” letters for different moments – like when they’re feeling down or need a laugh. It’s a simple way to be there for them no matter what. |
The best gifts are the ones that come from the heart and reflect what makes your partner unique. These little thoughtful gestures can make the miles between you feel a lot shorter.
How to Make Long-Distance Relationship Sex Special
Keeping the spark alive in a long-distance relationship can be tough, but it’s definitely doable! Even if physical touch isn’t always an option, there are plenty of ways to keep the intimate connection strong.
Here are some ideas to try:
| 1. Get Virtual: Technology can be a lifesaver. Schedule video calls or use apps designed for long-distance couples to share those special, private moments. Just make sure you’re both open, comfortable, and on the same page – communication and consent are key. 2. Surprise Them: Who doesn’t love a surprise? Send something sensual, like scented candles, massage oils, or even lingerie. Little gifts like these can build anticipation and keep things exciting from afar. 3. Spice Up Communication: Don’t underestimate the power of words! Share your fantasies, desires, or intimate thoughts through texts, emails, or voice notes. You could even try role-playing or storytelling to keep things fun and flirty. 4. Do Stuff Together: Just because you’re apart doesn’t mean you can’t share experiences. Watch movies at the same time, plan a virtual dinner date, or play online games together. These moments can help you feel connected and create memories, even from a distance. 5. Speak Their Love Language: Learn your partner’s love language and find ways to work it into your relationship. Whether it’s sweet words, thoughtful gifts, quality time, or creative ways to show physical affection, focusing on what makes them feel loved can bring you both closer. |
Above all, remember that trust and communication are everything. Be honest about your boundaries, and make sure both of you are comfortable with whatever you’re doing.
Long-distance relationships take effort, but with a little creativity, they can be just as fulfilling!
What Kind of Problems Arise in Long Distance Relationships?
Being in a long-distance relationship isn’t always easy – it comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common struggles couples face and tips to tackle them:
| • Missing Physical Closeness: Let’s face it, being apart can be tough. You miss the hugs, the hand-holding, and just having your partner there with you. Finding creative ways to stay connected, like video calls or sending little surprises, can help fill the gap. •Communication Hiccups: Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s even more important when you’re long-distance. Time zones, tech glitches, and busy schedules can complicate things. Prioritising regular check-ins and being patient goes a long way. •Trust Wobbles & Jealousy: Trust can feel harder to maintain when you’re not in the same place. It’s normal to feel a little insecure or jealous sometimes. Talking openly about your feelings and reassuring each other can help strengthen trust. •Feeling Lonely or Frustrated: There will be times when you just miss them like crazy, or you feel frustrated that you can’t share everyday moments together. It’s okay to feel this way – what matters is finding healthy ways to cope and supporting each other through the tough days. •Time Zone Troubles: Different schedules or time zones can make it tricky to find time to talk. Flexibility and good planning can help you make the most of the time you do have together. •Future Uncertainty: Not knowing when or how the distance will end can be stressful. Talking about your future plans and working towards shared goals can give you both something to look forward to. |
Long-distance relationships may be challenging, but with a little effort, patience, and creativity, you can keep your bond strong and make it work.
It’s all about being there for each other, even when you’re miles apart.
Let Your Love Bridge the Gap With Finding The One
Being miles apart doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer. There are plenty of ways to keep the spark alive in a long-distance relationship!
Don’t let the distance get you down – use it as a chance to grow closer and create special memories, no matter how far apart you are. After all, love has no limits!
You can find more tips and tricks from our love experts on the Finding The One blog!
FAQs
How Does an LDR Work?
Long-distance relationships involve couples who are geographically separated but maintain an emotional connection. They require effective communication, trust, and commitment to make it work despite the physical distance. It’s about navigating challenges, prioritising each other, and finding ways to stay connected and close.
Can Long Distance Relationships Last?
Long-distance relationships can indeed last with the right foundation of communication, trust, commitment, and effort from both partners. Despite the challenges, couples who maintain a strong connection and work together can overcome the distance and build a lasting and fulfilling relationship.
When Should You Let Go of a Long Distance Relationship?
It may be time to let go of a long-distance relationship if the challenges outweigh the benefits, communication becomes strained, trust is compromised, and both partners are no longer willing to make the necessary effort to sustain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
How Do You Tell if a Long Distance Relationship Isn’t Working?
If communication becomes infrequent, trust is consistently broken, and both partners feel unfulfilled despite efforts to address issues, it may be a sign that the long-distance relationship isn’t working. Open and honest conversations are crucial to assess the relationship’s viability.
What is a Red Flag in Long Distance Relationships?
A red flag in a long-distance relationship can be a persistent lack of communication, frequent dishonesty, or consistent unwillingness to make time for each other. These signs may indicate underlying issues that require attention and the need for a discussion about the health of the relationship.