If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be hopelessly in love with a man 27 hours away from me, I would have had to quickly put you on mute. Nevertheless, here I am states apart due to current circumstances, and completely infatuated.
When you’re dating someone in a different state, you go through a range of emotions. From questioning their whereabouts to snooping in on their Instagram likes (don’t judge), you go through the gamut to rest assured they are totally committed and in love with you, just as much as you are.
The thing is, there is no definite way to unveil their small secrets, or to magically appear in their apartment to see what’s really going on. At the end of the day, you have to do the one thing that may come hardest to most, and that is to trust.
However, once you get that little thing out of the way, then you make room for the good stuff! Check out below five ways couples can make the long-distance work while keeping the love strong:
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1. Video Chat Every Night, Even If You Have Nothing To Say
This one, even I had trouble understanding, but I must say it does work. Initially, I couldn’t fathom speaking to someone every day, like clockwork. Coming from a long time of being single and doing my own thing, on my own schedule, it was hard for me to conform to one type of schedule.
Taking that time to simply say “Hey, how was your day?” “What did you eat for dinner?” sounds mundane but it is so important. Having one-on-one, face-to-face time with them will bring some normalcy to your relationship and make no room for miscommunications that may come along with messaging each other.
2. Keep Each Other in The Loop
Keeping close contact with your long-distance lover is the main goal. Make sure to keep them in the loop of all things. Yes, that even means sharing with them your new nail color or the cab driver you had to curse out that morning. It’s the little things like that, that will make them feel included in your life.
RELATED: Navigating Long-Distance Relationships in College: Tips for Maintaining Connection
3. Travel To See Each Other
This may not be possible for some, but if it is, go for it. Trade-off trips to one another’s location. If possible, make a habit of it until you two are permanently together again.
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For us, we made a pact to go no more than two months without seeing each other. Got a bit of money to splurge? Mark up places on the map that you want to travel to see together. Set a time to meet up at one of the destinations, then sit back and watch the fireworks spark as you reunite under the sun and sandy beaches.
4. Set Goals Together
Usually, long-distance relationships are short-term. Setting a goal for the day you two will unite is key. No woman or man wants to date a person they can’t see or be with physically forever.
Make sure to make dates, times, and goals together for when you two will finally be together again. You can set even smaller goals together as well. Like repainting the house when they get back, or even going swimming the next time they visit. Making plans is important.
5. Make Time For The Little Things
A simple “Good morning” text or just calling to say, “I love you”, does the relationship good. Make sure to be considerate of your partner, by doing unexpected things like a hand-written letter and mailing it off to them. Or even sending them a “get well soon” care package when they’re feeling sick. They won’t see it coming and will be even more surprised that you cared so much to go out of your way.
Tia Muhammad, BS, is an award-winning freelance content & media creative, copywriter, blogger, digital designer, and marketing consultant. She owns the boutique content and digital media company, jackieGLDN|studio.
