Ever been in a long distance relationship? I still remember the day I met him like it was yesterday. It's one of the most pleasurable and dear memories my mind has ever encountered to date. I like to think of it as the day my life began, but that time came for us being geographically challenged!!! God it wasn't easy.....
Here are some ideas to help keep that long-distance romance alive.
1. Planning is very important in a relationship like this, and both parties must respect this. You and your partner will want to prioritize time with one another, but that will only be possible if carefully planned as much in advance as possible.
2. It is crucial that you are both realistic about what can or cannot be achieved. Make a commitment to each other about what you can or will do and then stick to it. If something else crops up, then always advise one another, but don't get upset if you can't speak at an agreed time due to an unexpected event. Life has a habit of throwing you the unexpected!
3. Long-distance relationships sometimes have a tendency to dwell on the extraordinary. There can be a pressure to do something exciting every time you see each other. Talk about the normal, everyday things that you do and make sure that your meetings frequently dwell upon the ordinary. Don't expect one another to make extra efforts because you live a long way apart. It will put pressure on your romance.
4. Honesty is vital too. If you are feeling down and lonely, then tell your partner. If you are concerned that the relationship simply isn't working, then talk about it. If you are out with your friends, then let your partner know what you are doing. Long-distance relationships sometimes produce anxieties and trust issues because one partner has no idea about what the other is doing. That doesn't mean you have to clock in every half-hour, but maintaining a dialogue about your life is vital.
5. Value your friends more than ever. They will be the social network that will see you through the low periods when you really miss your partner. Your friendships will help you maintain perspective. They will provide shoulders to cry on and a social life that will stop you from feeling as though you are putting your life on hold. Remember that your friends don't need to approve of what you are doing. They just need to be honest and supportive.
6. Don't be frightened to plan for the future. As time goes on, your relationship may become more and more serious. Your romance will be buoyed by plans for the future, so feel free to think and talk about the future. There may be a time when the two of you will be closer together again, or where your romance is less affected by the distance. Everybody needs something to look forward to, so don't deny yourself this.
7. Make the distance work for you. Long-distance relationships can be hard, but the distance can work in your favour. It means that you can share different experiences from your local neighbourhoods. It also means that you can be united by the smallest, most romantic things. If you can both look up and see the same star constellation, then suddenly you won't feel quite so far apart.
Nobody said that a long-distance relationship would be easy. With hard work and commitment, however, there is no reason that two people cannot be in love regardless of how many miles separate them physically.
Also being geographically challenged doesn't mean you're unlucky in love....Mmmmmh though watching your partner leave is such sweet sorrow!!!
