6 Tips to Make a Long Distance Relationship “Work”

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People love to say, “Long-distance relationships never work.” Well to those people I say “Have you tried it? And if you did, did you put in the effort to make it work?”

Being in quarantine and being in a long-distance relationship is one of the most unfortunate things to imagine…and I’m not going to lie, it’s going to be hard!

Nothing in life is easy and relationships are no different. Mike and I were in a long-distance relationship for 2 ½ years before making the move to rent together. And eventually we were able to buy our house (we made it!).

We lived 2-3 hours away from each other (currently cringing just thinking about the drive). It was easy in the beginning seeing each other every week or so but it gradually got harder as our feelings grew.

We had to really commit and actually put in the effort to make our relationship work for US. Every relationship is different and you have to do what feels right for you, not anyone else.

But there are a few simple basics to make a long-distance relationship a bit easier especially during this pandemic:

1. Communication

It’s a cliché but clichés are a cliché for a reason…communication is KEY!!

Even if you can’t call, a text here and there throughout the day is sure to let your person know you’re thinking about them.

When I was in a long-distance relationship, we wouldn’t be able to talk to each other during the day but we would send texts like “Hey babe, hope your day is going well…wish I was with you instead of at this hell hole” (I’m paraphrasing but this is generally how those check-ins would go haha).

Or if you can’t send a text, send a cute snap! 

Snapchat is HUGE in communication between everyone nowadays and is perfect for those who hate sending texts.

Just take a cute selfie and send it to your love! They’ll probably screenshot it and keep looking at it until they get to see you again :).

This also helps spice up your texts and share some visuals into what you’re doing without them!

2. Trust

Trust must be earned but if you’re in a relationship with someone, I’m assuming there’s some trust there already.

Without trust, your relationship is bound to fail ESPECIALLY in a long-distance relationship.

With long-distance it can get hard to trust your partner and trust that your relationship is going to work out. This is where communication comes into play as well.

Communicate your insecurities with your partner and trust that you’re their one and only and trust that they’re going to ease your fears. 

You both decided to enter into a long-distance relationship so you both made the commitment to work harder than most couples! Sometimes that means trusting they’re going to respect your relationship even if you don’t see them for months at a time.

If your partner hasn’t given you a reason to mistrust them then don’t make up a reason!

3. FaceTime (And Plenty of It!)

Facetime was a MUST for me (although it was ironically Mike’s idea at first)!

At first, I didn’t think I’d like Facetime because I felt like I always had to look my best but that DOES. NOT. MATTER.

I don’t know about you, but seeing my person is way more satisfying than texting and snapping pictures of ourselves. REGARDLESS of how you look, girl (your partner will love you more for it).

Schedule some Facetime dates for after work each day or just a certain day a week to start! They don’t have to go on for hours but with the right person, they may hit that 4-hour mark at some point (I know I possibly have wrist issues/carpel tunnel syndrome due to holding my phone up for extended periods…I know it).

Facetime is like a little treat because you don’t get to see your love in person, but you at least get to see their face/facial expressions and tell them how much you can’t wait to see them!

4. Commitment

It takes two to make a relationship work never mind a long-distance relationship! You both have to be committed to each other and committed to the future that you both want to have a couple.

If only one person is committed, it will not work.

Make a plan to see each other! Whether it is every weekend (if it’s only a 2 hour drive max because…let’s be reasonable here), every other weekend, or every couple of months, create a plan to make time for each other on a consistent basis.

“People make time for who they want to make time for.”

5. Play Games on Your Phone

This is getting easier and easier to do especially with smartphones and even IPhone has the option to play games within your messages!

While you’re already texting your boo, initiate a game of shooting basketballs into a hoop, play cup pong, or checkers! Honestly, your choices are endless so it’s truly whatever game you’re into.

Just choose the game and wait for your love to take their turn! This adds a little fun in the day and although you can’t joke and play together in person, you can still play a game virtually. 

I just watched NBA players playing 2K on ESPN to stay connected so if they can take their game virtual, so can you! Be creative!

6. Send Care Packages

Care packages are the sweetest gifts in a long-distance relationship. Whether they’re a surprise or you’re anticipating its arrival, care packages are always a gift to be cherished!

They can be simple and small with a card and your favorite candy or more elaborate with the purse you’ve always wanted. As long as it’s something you know your partner would appreciate and be thankful for.

You can even send a long-distance lamp or pillow which lights up when the other person touches/lays on the object! Also, with the long-distance pillow (aka Pillow Talk), you can hear your partner’s heartbeat when you lay your head down! 

So, when you go to sleep at night your partner’s pillow will light up and when they lay down they’ll be able to hear your heartbeat as if you were laying in their chest right then and there!

How dope is that?! Super close to having the person in bed with you (it’s not the real thing but close enough)!

Although, it’s hard to be in a long-distance relationship especially with many couples newly experiencing this during the pandemic, it’s completely worth it.

I believe that it has made my relationship stronger and tested us as individuals and as a couple. We really learned what matters, what doesn’t, and what we want from each other in our relationship (blessing in disguise, huh).

If we could do it I definitely know you can, too!

Stay strong, stay committed, and stay loving! 

How are you adapting to your long-distance relationship? How do you stay in contact with your long-distance partner? Let me know in the comments below!