How to stay emotionally connected in a long distance relationship? Truth be told, we hate being away from the person we love. Long distance relationships can be hard, very hard at times. But, it is also during these challenging times that test the honest nature of a relationship between two people.
Being in one myself, I believe long distance relationships add so much to your life. Yes, they are the tests of time. God tests you before rewarding you in life to understand if you are worthy of it or not. I see long distance relationships as something very similar.
While it’s not easy to maintain and continue a relationship from a distance, it’s not completely impossible. Sometimes, long distance relationships prove to be even stronger and more successful as compared to those where partners spend more time together.
There are a lot of factors that make any relationship successful. But, when it comes to making a long distance relationship successful the intensity of these factors is amplified to multiple folds. Two people need lots of patience, trust, and loyalty to turn a long distance relationship into a marriage. Thus, here are some tips for you to understand how to stay emotionally connected in a long distance relationship.
How to stay emotionally connected in a Long Distance Relationship?
1. Communication keeps the passion alive
When you are apart, you are living your lives differently. The schedules, the work, and the daily activities are different for you two. Thus, it becomes important for you two to involve each other in your daily lives. Consistent communication is the primary fuel that will run a long distance relationship. Every other aspect of your relationship is secondary when you are dealing with distance.
The most important thing is to communicate with each other. Whether it’s about your personal life or your professional activities, keep each other informed. Make it a point to dedicate time to each other at least once a day.
2. Don’t hold back your feelings
Distance might make it difficult to open up with each other. Bottling up your feelings may seem like an easy way in the name of protecting your partner from getting hurt. But, trust me as someone who has been there, it’s never the right choice. Don’t hold back your feelings in the name of your partner’s goodwill when deep inside you know it will do more damage later than now.
If something is bothering you, irrespective of whether it is about your relationship or not, share it with your partner. Sharing your feelings is also an expression of love. It will make them feel a part of your life, even from the distance.
3. Remind each other what makes it special for you
You are living in different places in different environments. It’s inevitable to feel your partner’s absence on special occasions. But, some days you will miss them a little more for no reason. These are the times when you must remind your partner how much they mean to you. This is when you take up your phone and call them unexpectedly to just say “I love you” out of the blue. It is small moments like these where you make it special for them.
Mentioning why they are important to you and the place they hold in your life will strengthen the emotional connection you share. This also helps to remove any doubts or second thoughts your partner might have about the relationship.
4. Share the not-so-exciting part of life as well
Successful relationships are not based on good days alone. They include the bad days too. Thus, it is important to make your partner feel seen and acknowledged by living your highs and lows with them. Just like communication, a relationship is a two-way road. You cannot only make it about the positives and hide situations that are going against you. Sharing the boring and not-so-exciting part is as important as the big events. It improves intimacy between you two.
As much as a relationship is about sharing the happy times, it is also about going through the tough times together. Sharing things with them will help them understand you better. It will make them feel closer to you.
5. Support each other even from a distance
Our relationships are our biggest asset. Humans are made of the relationships they make. And, out of all the relationships we build in life, our romantic relationship impacts our wellness the most. Thus, you cannot be an unsupportive partner. That’s a big red flag. Your partner should encourage and empower you, even from a distance. Their support towards your dreams and goals creates a big difference.
Out of all the ways you can support your partner in a long distance relationship, emotional support is both expected and important of all. Be part of their goals, and take interest in conversations that revolve around their aspirations.
6. Remind each other why this distance is worth it
Distance makes the heart grow fonder. The emotional connection and bond you will develop with each other in a long distance relationship will be much stronger than in a normal relationship. Hugging your phone when you want to hug them, screaming on the phone during fights or arguments, and looking forward to the next time you will see each other, all these little moments make a long distance relationship challenging but worthy.
Snatch a moment or two during your daily conversations to remind your partner why bearing the distance today will be all worth it in the future. Include each other in your plans and trust that you will sail through this phase of your life too.
7. Share meals together virtually
Cooking food is a whole process. You can choose to perform the entire process of cooking together virtually to take your relationship a step ahead. Technology is a boon when it comes to staying connected with your partner from a distance. Use it to keep your partner closer. Decide a recipe, gather the ingredients, cook it together and enjoy the meal while you’re on a video call.
You can also do the same for other fun activities like watching a movie, sketching or painting, and doing anything else that interests you both. Though this cannot replace the feeling of being together physically it will help you both feel better in some ways.
8. Be more thoughtful towards each other
Loving each other from distance is not like usual relationships. The distance demands you to be more thoughtful towards how you include your partner in your daily life. Along with all the tips mentioned above, you can strengthen your connection by giving something sentimental to them. Gifts are the language of love and they can fill the space between you two. A physical gift as a memory is a great way for them to remember you.
You can simply place the order online or get your gift parcelled from a local shop. After all, what would be better than waking up to a gift from your loved ones while they’re away from you? These small gestures go a long way in any relationship.
9. Use letters as an expression of love
Call me old school, but it’s inexplicable to experience the charm of love letters in the era of text messages. Using letters as an expression of love manages to fill the gaps created by distance. This shows that you care about them and want them in your life. This might sound cheesy but love makes you do all this. And, the feeling of reading the words of love from your partner on paper hits all the right cords.
You can send it without telling them, of course. The surprise of a love letter is even better than a physical gift. It all comes down to your genuine efforts to make your partner feel loved and cared for. And, a love letter will always be a step ahead, especially in a long distance relationship.
10. Plan and meet whenever possible
Physical closeness is equally important in answering “How to stay emotionally connected in a long distance relationship”. As a couple, you must try to meet each other as and when possible. Being able to see each other is no less than a luxury while dealing with distance. If you both are serious about this relationship, you can invest time to plan and schedule to spend some time or even days with each other.
The best way to make the most of your time together is to spend it how you both like it. Understanding each other’s love language is the key to making a long distance relationship successful.
11. Join your worlds together at the right time
If you have read it till now, this means you are serious about your relationship even if it’s long distance. The distance is the hardest part and the underlying pain cannot be denied. If you have stayed here, it means that you love this person enough to wait for them as long as it takes. You wish to spend the rest of your life with them. And, you see both your worlds coming together at some point in life. If this is the case, you must start planning how you wish that to happen.
Whether it’s a wedding, an engagement, a change of job, or relocating with your partner, the right step must happen at the right time. Long distance relationships mainly rely on patience, trust, hope, and loyalty. A little hope can take you a long way to dealing with the distance.
Conclusion
Long distance relationships are hard to sustain. All these things are like different bones in the ribs of a relationship. Your loyalty is the heart of your long distance relationship. And, a significant way to keep the spark alive in your relationship is to communicate with your partner. Communication is the fuel that keeps you connected. The bond grows stronger with time. The simplest answer to “How to stay emotionally connected in a long distance relationship” is to communicate.
I hope these tips would help you in building an emotional connection with your partner in your long distance relationship. And, may the distance end soon!!!
Don’t forget to share your long distance relationship stories in the comments, if you have one. I am a sucker for these.
I’ll see you next week!!!
And If you ever feel like talking, feel free to reach out to me here.
