A lot of you might not know, but Lyndsie and I were in a long distance relationship for a very, very long time and we had to learn all of the ways to keep our relationship strong; if you’re in an LDR and are looking for ways to keep your long distance relationship strong, take a look below! Strength is needed when you are in a long distance relationship just because you aren’t right there, spending time together. In order to keep your long distance relationship strong, you’ve got to be willing to put in the time and effort it takes and boy – does it take a lot of it!
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1. LDR IPhone Apps
Nowadays, with the launch of an app for EVERYTHING (oh yes, I mean everything!), there are tons of apps to keep your long distance relationship strong without really feeling disconnected! All you need to do is some research on the apps, which ones work for you and find out if you would actually use them! If they had apps for LDRs when I was in a relationship? Man, it would’ve been so much easier!
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Long distance relationships can be challenging, but with the right tools, they can be successful. Many couples in long distance relationships are turning to technology to help them bridge the gap and stay connected. Apps specifically designed for long distance relationships (LDRs) can help keep couples connected even when they are miles apart.
These apps provide a variety of features that allow couples to stay in touch, share special moments, and even play games together. Some apps are designed to help couples plan visits, plan activities, and even plan dates. Other apps offer features like video chat, audio chat, and even shared calendars.
These apps can also help couples stay connected by providing reminders and notifications of special events like anniversaries and birthdays. Couples can also use the apps to send each other photos and videos, allowing them to share special moments with each other.
In addition to helping couples stay connected, these apps can also help couples stay organized. By using shared calendars and to-do lists, couples can easily keep track of their plans and tasks. This can help couples stay on top of their commitments and make sure they are meeting their goals.
2. Sleeping on the Phone
Weird, right? I know that it sounds messed up, but really, this is a great way for you two to really connect and for you two to really be together. Lyndsie and I slept on the phone for the first few years of our LDR and it was absolutely fantastic! When we finally moved in together, it was just a natural thing to sleep together because we’d been doing it on the phone for so long.
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It might sound odd to some, but think of it as an intimate heart-to-heart whisper all night long. You're sharing your dreams, your midnight murmurs, and that peaceful, steady breathing that's so comforting. Sure, there’s no physical cuddling, but this practice creates a deeply personal space that only you two inhabit. Plus, it sets a rhythm for your relationship; you end and start your days together. It’s like having a sleepover with your best friend every single night. This little ritual can deeply enrich the emotional bond, making the physical distance seem trivial.
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3. Visit Each Other Often
Visiting is so, so important when you are in an LDR because you don’t get to see each other everyday. Lyndsie and I visited at least once a month, if not twice, and she lived 9 hours away! We talked everyday too, which was a big part of why we lasted and why a lot of LDR’s don’t last. If you are in a long distance relationship, I encourage you to really make an effort to see your partner a lot!
4. Have a Plan
I can’t say this enough, you can’t go into a long distance relationship without having some sort of plan for the future. I’ve seen couples that will stay in an LDR for years and years and years, and truthfully, that’s not good! A few years max is the best bet, but at some point, in order to move forward, you’ve got to have a plan to be in the same area.
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Ideally, you should discuss this plan early on, setting clear expectations and agreeing on a rough timeline. This doesn't mean you need to have it all figured out, but without some conversation regarding an end goal, the wait can feel interminable and the relationship might lack direction. Whether that plan involves one person moving, both relocating to a new place, or certain milestones that need to be reached before taking the next step, having this clarity is crucial. It brings peace of mind and strengthens the bond, showing commitment and dedication to a future together.
5. Talk, Not Just Text Everyday
Texting is great, trust me, it’s a fantastic thing, but you really need to talk to each other. Talking is so much more personal and so many things can be misunderstand through text, it’s better to talk it all out. I talked, really talked to Lyndsie for hours every single day and we’re still together!
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When you hear your partner's voice, there’s this undeniable connection that pings in your heart. It's the real giggles that bubble up during your inside jokes, or the certain lilt in their voice when they're trying to cheer you up that texts could never convey. Embrace those lengthy phone calls or video chats – they become the lifeline of your relationship, the closest thing to being in the same room. And let’s admit it, hearing “I love you” in their voice beats reading it on screen any day.
6. Skype
Skype is another fantastic thing to do, or Facetime! That way, you’ll be able to really see each other every single day and you’ll be able to really connect. Connecting is important when you are in an LDR, as you don’t have the connection in real life and in person.
7. Trust Each Other
If you can’t trust your partner, why are you with them? Truthfully, I never, ever thought that Lyndsie would be hooking up with other girls and I never suspected that she’d ever not be truthful with me. I trusted her and she trusted me. Do you trust your LDR partner?
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Trust is the foundation that holds the entire structure of a long-distance relationship together. Without it, every text, call, and sweet gesture would be shrouded with doubt and suspicion. When trust is present, there’s a sense of peace and security that blankets the relationship, making it possible to navigate the miles between with less worry. It's about having the confidence in your significant other's commitment and knowing that they're respecting the relationship as much as you are, even when they're out of sight. But remember, trust is a two-way street; it requires both give and take, and above all—open and honest communication. Cultivate it daily, and you'll find your connection strengthening despite the distance.
8. Do Things Together
The next time you're talking on the phone, remember that you can do other things together to help strengthen your bond, also. Why not read the same book and discuss it together or watch the same movies and TV shows while you're on the phone? This way you can share the excitement, drama and laughs right along with your partner.
9. Send Your Scent
Another way to feel close to your love is to send a hand-written letter or card and spritz it with your perfume. Have your partner send their favorite fragrance also so you'll have a nice reminder of your partner whenever you feel lonely.
10. Express Yourself
It's not always easy to express how you feel and for some it can be ever harder when you have to do it over the phone. As difficult as it might be, being able to express yourself and how you feel is important in an LDR since you can't say it in person as often. Be open about your feelings, if you're feeling down, happy or lonely, say so! An LDR is no different than any other relationships and you should be able to share everything from your day-to-day stuff to more serious things, also.
11. Keep It Spicy
If you're at the point in your relationships where you feel comfortable enough to get a little naughty, don't be afraid to spice things up a bit! Send send a sexy text, photo or of course, there's always phone sex if the two of you are up for it. Just make sure the two of you are an in agreement on what you want to do, then go for it!
12. Go on Dates
Another awesome aspect of Skype is that you can go on a long distance date! Make dinner and eat together, play a game or whatever the two of you like doing together. It might seem a little awkward at first, but it's a new and different way to spend quality time together.
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To add a touch of romance to your Skype dates, consider watching the same movie simultaneously while sharing reactions over chat or exploring new music together. If you’re feeling more interactive, opt for online games that you can play together, or even try taking a virtual walk through distant cities using map services. Remember, it's the effort and creativity that keep the spark alive. Taking turns planning the dates will ensure that both partners contribute to nurturing the relationship, making these virtual get-togethers exciting and highly anticipated.
13. Be Positive
Yes, being in a long distance relationship is hard, but it will get better! Try to focus on the positive aspects of being in an LDR and that it's only a temporary situation. Look forward to the next time you see one another and remember that the distance can make you stronger as a couple!
While being in this type of relationship is hard, I am an advocate for it, as I was in one for a really long time! We are getting married now and live together, but it was hard when we were 9 hours away. Are you in a long distance relationship? Any tips to share?
This article was written in collaboration with editor Lisa Washington
Comments
Milan: Sorry to be a bearer of back news but long distance relationships don't work period. You might be together but are you really together. Seen this film too many times without a happy ending. Peace, love & wisdom.
Dani: My boyfriend is a United States corpsman in the navy. We have been together for almost 8 months and have known each other for 8 years. I only get to see him for 2 weeks every year for now. But the first kiss after not seeing him is the sweetest. LDR's can be tough but just always think positive :)
Azalea: What do you mean by sleeping on the phone?
Luchiexxx: I am in a LDR too. We're happy and hoping to be together real soon
VictoriaAngelica: I'm not allowed to talk to my man... :( but we trust each other... And he will try to visit whenever he can :)
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