My boyfriend and I have been together for four years —and long distance for three of those. Not going to lie, it is hard at times, but I honestly wouldn’t trade our relationship for anything. With three LDR valentine’s day down, here is what has worked for us! We have been able to stay deeply in love and happy, despite the distance.
Have a facetime dinner
Set up a time and sit down and have a nice meal together, just like you would in person! You can light some candles, cook or even order in. Try making the same dish or ordering from the same place. It’s an easy way to feel connected, even from far away.
Have intimate time
We’re not going in-depth here because my family, friends, and professors read this but take time to keep things spicy through the phone or text. It keeps your relationship fresh and makes you feel like romantic partners instead of friends who talk all the time
Send gifts (and call or film when you receive them)
Gifts, even small ones, are a perfect way of letting your partner know you’re thinking of them. Coming from a girl who got a promise ring delivered to her college mailbox and made her best friend film it, it works! Flower delivery or even ordering your partner a pizza is equally welcome. And calling or filming gives the same feeling of opening a present in person. Bonus points if you add in a hand-written love letter.
Plan for a visit or vacation
Technically, I will be spending valentine’s day alone, but my partner visited me last week, and it made all the difference. It doesn’t matter when you see each other; it matters the quality of time. Next time you see each other, do all the classic valentine’s day things!
Avoid social media if it’ll make you sad.
If you’re anything like me, you are happy for all the couples who post on valentines day but still feel the ping of sadness that you aren’t physically with your partner. Instead, refocus on your person, stay off social media and know that the distance isn’t forever.
Long-distance is hard sometimes, but ultimately, if you are in a happy and healthy relationship, you can have a beautiful valentine’s day filled with sparks and candy hearts.