We always advise our members not to set too many parameters when it comes to finding love. For example, if you are only willing to meet people within a thirty-minute drive of your home, you may be ruling out some wonderful potential matches. Whilst practicalities must be considered, it is sensible to restrict your search for love as little as possible. Here, we discuss how to make long distance relationships work because they can and will work if you find the right person.
Tips on how to make long distance work for you
- Set Healthy Expectations
It is very important to set realistic, healthy expectations. Discuss how often you will see each other and ways to stay in touch that give you both a sense of security. Open communication is essential to ensure you feel at ease as a couple.
- Discuss Your Long-Term Goals
Every relationship needs shared goals to survive. This is particularly true when it comes to long distance relationships. If you both see longevity in your partnership, you should be working towards long-term goals together.
Agreeing on five key goals together strengthens a relationship and shows real commitment. Make sure these goals are achievable and tangible.
- Avoid Being Too Clingy
You might be separated from your partner geographically, but you do not need to be in contact 24/7. It is important to live your lives, enjoying your leisure time and continuing to socialise. Avoid making getting in touch a chore, or too routine. All couples have quiet times when they are busy with other activities. A long-distance relationship should be no different.
Connect when you both want to; you’ll find chatting much more enjoyable!
- Arrange Meet-Ups in Advance
Life is busy and things often change at the last minute. Schedule your dates carefully in advance so you both feel a sense of security, knowing when you will see each other again.
Use this time in your lives to enjoy travelling together – for example, meet half-way in a city you’ve never been to before.
Avoid allowing travel to become one-sided. Make sure you are both trying to see each other or one of you may start to feel resentful or taken for granted.
Long-Distance Relationships Offer an Opportunity for Personal Growth
There are so many lessons we can learn from a long-distance relationship. How to trust and be trustworthy. How to show true commitment. How to take a shared responsibility for the growth of a relationship.
This is a great time to learn more about yourself. To grow as a person alongside growing as a couple. Long-distance relationships require maturity, patience, independence and understanding – all great qualities to work on!
Ensure that you are still getting out there and trying new things. Even though you are physically separated, you still need to build a balanced relationship. Both partners need their own identities and interests, as in all relationships. Remember, if you are living a rewarding and interesting life, you are more attractive to others!
