I was initially terrified of how difficult it would be to connect with my boyfriend when I started college and our long-distance relationship, especially with him 260 miles away. Even texting each other and calling once a day, it felt hard to keep up with each other’s separate yet connected lives. Navigating the uncertainty of a long-distance relationship is challenging, with anxieties and uncertainty of what could happen; at times, it can almost feel impossible. But there have been little unique things that have made the difference in how we have made long distance not feel as long.
- Sending your significant other food
My first experience with this was on my birthday when my boyfriend decided to send me food and to get himself food as a way to celebrate virtually, which has become one of my favorite long-distance traditions. One example that has always been a favorite memory was during an anniversary that we could not spend together. We decided to surprise each other with food from our favorite place, Noodles and Company, which truly made it feel like we were together again. Sharing food that might be considered nostalgic of memories together, food that you have always wanted to try where you are located or just food you are intensely craving can not just make a meal in your day special but also connect you with your significant other.
- Have little reminders of each other
When we first started our long-distance relationship, we decided to use the app Locket, which creates a widget on your phone that displays pictures your partner can send you throughout the day alongside short messages. This made starting long distance so much better, especially in times when it felt like a struggle to be apart. Receiving little messages of encouragement and a picture of my partner smiling truly made everything feel like it would be alright and, in turn, also enabled us to see updates on how we were both doing.
As our long-distance relationship has progressed over the past eight months, there have been other little things we have used to feel more connected. One app I encourage anyone to get, whether you are in a long-distance relationship or not, is CoupleJoy. This app allows you to add widgets to the lock screen on your phone so you can see how long it will be until you see each other in person again or see how many miles apart you are. This way, when you are traveling to see your significant other, friends or family, the miles displayed on your phone decrease.
- Surprising each other
This third method of staying connected can sometimes be difficult, but if it is possible for you or your significant other, it is 100% worth doing. Apps like TikTok have spotlighted surprises in long distance in both positive and negative ways, with videos of the best and worst reactions to surprises. When my boyfriend came to surprise me, I was filled with confusion, happiness and shock as I got to hug my favorite person after not seeing him for months. In contrast, being able to surprise him for the first time will be hard to keep a secret, but I know it will be incredibly rewarding for both of us. Being able to visit someone you love is a gift that I never appreciated until I started my long-distance relationship. Additionally, showing someone you care about the places and people you love helps long-distance dating become easier because it creates bridges in each other’s lives to things you care about outside of the relationship.
Even with these three tips, there have been many other things that have allowed us to feel more connected, although not physically with each other. Being in a long-distance relationship can be challenging at times, but I know now, after months of being in one, that every day is fully worth the connection with someone you love.