Being in a long-distance relationship can be an added stress on top of everything else life brings, but it does not need to be nerve-racking. If you are about to be in a long-distance relationship, or just got into one, think of this time apart as a time to strengthen your relationship and as a time to get to know yourselves – away from each other. Being in a long-distance relationship is becoming more and more normal each day. An article from The Atlantic reported on a government survey that showed the number of Americans 18 years or older living apart from their significant other rose from about 2.7 million in 2000 to 3.9 million in 2017. This is largely because of technology, making long-distance relationships much more manageable than they were even 20 years ago.
Long-distance dating can be emotionally draining, but thanks to technology, there are many ways to spend quality time with your significant other while still being apart. Here are some tips and ideas to stay connected with your loved one, while being miles away:
1. Netflix Party
Teleparty (which used to be known as Netflix Party) is a website that synchronizes whatever movie or television series you are watching on multiple devices, so you and your significant other can have movie dates from states away. It is now compatible with Hulu, HBO and Disney+, and has a group chat feature where you can text while watching the show.
2. Send each other letters
I know, I know, this is not “new” technology, but what is better than receiving a hand-written letter from your significant other at your doorstep? It is a romantic gesture that is as old as time.
3. FaceTime daily
For many couples who have gone from spending time with each other every day, to seeing each other every week or every month, FaceTiming daily is essential for their relationship. Scheduling a time to FaceTime or Skype every day gives you a chance to spend quality time with your significant other, while sharing your everyday experiences and hearing about theirs. It will keep you connected and in-tune with what is going on in each other’s lives. Having daily FaceTime calls will also take away the pressure of needing to text your partner every second of the day.
4. Schedule when you will see each other next
Having a plan and a schedule will take away the anxiety of not knowing when you will be with each other next. It will also give you something to look forward to, and it is proven that one is more productive when they have something to look forward to in their life.
5. Make each other playlists
For those who find it hard to communicate how you feel, a good place to start is to find songs that represent your emotions. Making a playlist for your significant other is a romantic gesture that they are able to experience any time of the day. Spotify even has a new feature where you can take a quiz about your relationship, and the digital music service will create a playlist of love songs they think you will enjoy.
https://duolovesongs.byspotify.com/
Being in a long-distance relationship is not easy – it takes patience, perseverance and positivity. Discussing how often you want to talk throughout the day is important, so one does not feel overwhelmed or neglected. In a long-distance relationship, it is also essential to celebrate the little victories. Making an A on an exam, finishing a presentation or applying for a new job are all reasons to celebrate with your partner.
It is easy to become lost in what your partner is doing, who they are with and what they are thinking, which is why it’s important to communicate in more ways than just texting. Long-distance dating can work, and in the end your relationship will come out stronger than it was before.