Long-distance relationships are not for the faint-hearted! There, it’s out in the open! Long distance relationships are tough, true, but the beauty of these relationships can only be experienced. In this increasingly globalized world, LDRs have become more prevalent than ever, and they come with their own set of challenges. While physical separation is an unavoidable factor, building a connection from miles away is entirely possible with the right amount of love and trust.
For a successful LD relationship, fostering a structured blueprint for navigating long-distance relationships, focusing on communication, absolute trust, and unconditional love is crucial. There are a few ways in which such a navigation can be achieved.
Establishing a Solid Foundation
Couples who opt for long-distance relationships are most likely to be in a serious relationship from early on. Therefore, deciding to be in an LDR would be organic for these couples as they would take any risk for their relationship to be alive. Communication is the keystone for every relationship, especially LDR, and thus embracing communication tools like video conferencing, phone calls, emails, social media, etc. is extremely important to bridge the gap between partners. The couples in an LDR can establish routines and time frames to communicate with each other and try to stick to them unless and until anything urgent comes in the way. Transparency about availability and the frequency of communication can be crucial factors in how the relationship moves forward.
Building Trust
Trust is the adhesive that holds an LDR relationship together. Consistent communication with transparency and trust pave the way for a healthy and secure long-distance relationship. The FRIENDS co-star, Courtney Cox, who was in a long-distance relationship with her partner, was once quoted saying, “As long as you have trust, then I think it doesn’t matter where you are. You can be yourself and be excited to see each other”. Sharing insecurities, fears, and feelings and considering these thoughts mutually will make the relationship stronger and deeper and give way to a beautiful aspect of life.
Nurturing Emotional Intimacy
Couples who stay away from each other, often miss out on the physical intimacy in their relationships and it can be a deal breaker for some. Instead trying to keep the emotional intimacy alive by coming up with creative activities will keep the relationship exciting. Planning virtual date nights, sending each other gifts over mail, and watching movies simultaneously are some of the activities that can be tried by LDR couples. Sharing details about their day, even if it was bad, and getting emotional support from partners can keep up the emotional intimacy leading to a fulfilling and strong relationship.
In a study that tested how technology affected LDR, experts found that the frequent use of video calls, texting, and social media platforms, helped improve the quality of relationships and also reduced feelings of loneliness among couples. These are a general finding and individual routines of couples may vary according to their time preferences and interests. However, the bottom line is taking care of each other, mutual respect, and never making one person in the relationship feel alone.
Planning Visits and Future Together
Planning visits and spending time together after a break can help in making a relationship stronger. Being creative in planning these visits by giving them a surprise at their door, or bringing them gifts and flowers, helps in strengthening the bond and partners can see the smiles on their better halves’ faces. Sarah Hyland, popularly known as “Haley” from ‘Modern Family’, said about her relationship with her partner in an interview, “I think the longest we have gone without seeing each other is 2-3 weeks because 5 days are already too much for us. So we always try to make sure to see each other.” She added, “I don’t think (long-distance) is hard if love is there”. She has been married to her partner for 2 years now.
Engaging in conversations about the future and planning for it meticulously increases the depth of the bond and creates an emotional connection. Knowing that there is a plan to eventually end the long-distance relationship and start seeing each other every day provides a sense of purpose and direction. These conversations also help in determining how much each of the partners is invested in the relationship and their plans for it.
The success of a long-distance relationship depends primarily on the couple opting for it and how they plan on establishing a foundation, building trust, nurturing emotional intimacy, planning visits, and also planning their future. Trust and communication become the foundation stones of LDR relationships and help in strengthening the bond between partners in the long run. Building a life of your own away from your partners can be emotionally draining but sharing details about their day and having individual goals can be empowering for everyone involved. As stated in the beginning, LDR is not for the faint-hearted but for couples with a distinct dream and purpose of being together no matter what life throws their way!
