Being apart from someone you love is never easy, especially when living miles—even continents—away from each other. Long-distance relationships (LDRs) can feel challenging but are far from impossible. Thousands of couples worldwide successfully maintain strong, thriving relationships while separated by oceans and time zones. The key lies in consistent effort, good communication, and a proactive approach to staying connected. Here’s how you can nurture your relationship while you’re abroad.
1. Prioritize Open and Honest Communication
Communication is the backbone of any relationship, but it’s non-negotiable in an LDR. When you’re not physically together, your words must bridge the gap. Set aside time each day to catch up through texts, voice calls, or video chats.
It’s important to be honest about your feelings, whether overwhelmed with joy or dealing with bouts of loneliness. Encourage your partner to do the same. For example, if one of you feels frustrated because communication has been inconsistent, address it kindly but directly instead of bottling it up. Remember, your goal is to understand each other and grow stronger together.
Tip: Find a routine that works for both of you. Maybe it’s a quick “good morning” voice note at the start of the day or a longer call every weekend to recap your week.
2. Manage Expectations and Discuss Boundaries
Being apart inherently changes the dynamic of a relationship. To avoid unnecessary disappointments, establish clear expectations early on. Talk about how often you’ll communicate, your time zone differences, and how you’ll handle visits (if possible).
For example, if your partner is in a different time zone and your evenings overlap with their early mornings, agree on a regular time to connect that suits you both. But also, give yourselves grace for the days when life gets hectic and regular chats may need to take a backseat. It’s unrealistic to expect constant attention when both of you have your own lives to lead.
Discussing boundaries is just as critical. Maybe you agree not to go to bed angry or decide to check in before making big decisions. Whether it’s discussing how you’ll handle online flirting or setting aside time for yourselves, respectful boundaries foster trust.
3. Make the Most of Technology
Technology is your best friend in a long-distance relationship. Beyond texting and calling, there are countless ways to feel like you’re right there with your partner.
Video calls: Use platforms like Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp for face-to-face conversations. Seeing your partner’s expressions and voices makes the connection feel more personal.
Virtual dates: Recreate shared experiences. For instance, you can watch a movie on Netflix Party, cook and eat dinner “together” over video, or explore online games as a team.
Shared apps: Apps like Couple or Between allow you to share calendar updates, photos, and even sweet reminders exclusively with each other.
A friend once shared how she and her long-distance fiancé kept a shared Spotify playlist. They’d add songs that reminded them of each other, creating a soundtrack of their love. These small gestures, powered by technology, can mean the world.
4. Celebrate the Big and Small Moments
It’s easy to feel distant when you miss out on each other’s daily lives. But celebrating milestones, promotions, birthdays, or even small victories like completing a tough work week can connect you emotionally.
Send care packages or handwritten notes for special days. For example, if your partner receives a surprise delivery with their favorite snacks and a heartfelt letter, it can bring immense joy despite the physical distance. Adding personal touches like this shows effort and thought, essential in keeping any relationship alive.
Even on regular days, make time to share your highs and lows. It doesn’t always have to be grand gestures; sometimes, the simple act of saying, “I’m proud of you,” goes a long way.
5. Improve Yourself While Supporting Each Other
One of the biggest benefits of long-distance relationships is that they encourage personal growth. Use this time apart to focus on your hobbies, goals, and career while encouraging your partner to do the same. When both of you are striving for self-improvement, it builds a strong, mutually supportive foundation for the relationship.
For instance, involve your partner if you’re learning a new language or skill while abroad. Maybe you share a book you’re reading with them, or they cheer you on as you achieve a fitness milestone. Their support can motivate you, and seeing your growth will likely inspire them as well.
6. Plan Visits If Possible
If circumstances allow, plan visits to see each other. Having a countdown to look forward to can help ease the emotional toll of being apart. For instance, if you know you’ll reunite in three months, it creates a tangible goal to work towards and something to get excited about.
Make the most of the time you spend together by creating new memories. Whether it’s exploring your host city, staying in for a cozy weekend, or visiting a nostalgic place, cherish the moments you get to share in person.
If visits aren’t feasible due to finances or other constraints, talk about a future where you’ll finally be in the same place. Discussing common goals helps maintain a sense of direction in the relationship.
7. Acknowledge the Challenges and Stay Positive
No relationship is perfect, and long-distance ones come with their own set of trials. Days of frustration, miscommunication, or longing may get to you. The key is not to ignore these struggles but to face them together.
Talk openly when things feel hard. You can even remind yourselves of why you’re enduring the distance. It might be for career growth, education, or family obligations, but knowing that this period is temporary can give you perspective. Focus on the love and connection you share and remind yourselves that every effort is worth it.
