Romantic relationships thrive on physical touch. Having a tangible connection releases oxytocin and feeling good hormones in our bodies, which help couples build connections and build a level of understanding and care for one another. Not being able to have that is what can make long-distance relationships quite difficult for both individuals involved.
However, distance means so little when someone means so much to you and if you’re willing to put in just a little extra effort, you and your partner can definitely make things work! Sex & relationships expert, Steffo Shambo offers his advice to couples diving into distant romantic relationships.
Remember: the most essential aspect of a long-distance relationship is communication. Without the build-up of orgasmic energy between you and your significant other, you need to establish honest communication between each other so that no one is left hanging at the other end of the line overthinking about a situation.
It’s the small things that count
Social media and messaging services can be such a godsend for long-distance couples! Send your partner funny memes on Instagram or sharing a silly snap of your daily commute or if something exciting happens in your day. These small snippets of information will make the two of you feel more connected to each other even if you aren’t able to have extended conversations every day of the week.
Know the difference between a text conversation and a phone call
As great as texting can be, it is also a minefield for miscommunication. If one of you is struggling with something, pick up the phone and have a chat instead of sending over a message. Whether a FaceTime conversation or just a voice call, being able to have a direct conversation will be a lot more straightforward than a text exchange which could lead to more hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
Surprise them!
It’s always good to mix things up a little! If you find yourself always texting or messaging each other, try to be creative and switch up the platform. An email with a poem will have a completely different feeling than a quick text. You could even bring out the true romantic in you and send across a handwritten love letter via good old snail-mail. Or why not surprise your partner with a gift or a bouquet of flowers sent to their front door – you may not be able to be there in person, but these fun and creative gestures are essential to keep the spark alive. In the end, it’s these things that will bring you closer as a couple!
Schedule in face-to-face date nights
When you are in different time zones, or perhaps in different parts of the world, spontaneous interactions can be difficult to organise. Therefore, it is essential that you are able to schedule virtual video date nights to continue to develop a stronger bond over a distance. Remember, although someone’s physical features may not be the only reason you’re attracted to them, they still play a vital role in sparking that attraction. Luckily technology has made everything possible, so get on Zoom and cook a meal together or just have a couple of drinks to bring in the weekend. Seeing your partner’s face should increase the closeness you feel for them!
Focus on building a strong relationship by working on the fundamentals
When you have limited access to physical intimacy, take the opportunity to build other fundamental parts of a relationship such as communication, relationship values, as well as managing expectations and boundaries. You could do this by hiring an online relationship coach that you see on Skype together. You could even take an online course about relationships together while being apart. By establishing trust and strength from afar, the love between the two of you will be unstoppable when you finally come together!
Although being in a long-distance relationship can be difficult, it’s definitely not impossible! Just keep in mind that and your partner are in this together and with a little more effort and some scheduling, your relationship will only continue becoming stronger! The distance won’t last forever, but by building a strong bond, you will definitely give your relationship a fighting chance!
