The LDR Advice You Must Take to Survive
In all honesty, we hardly ever hear someone say, "My girlfriend lives in Canada! It has been fantastic for us both!”
After what seems like a never-ending search for love, you finally find someone worth keeping. But due to circumstances beyond your control, she ends up living thousands of miles away. Now, you’re either staring blankly at a space in your room, chatting with your friends, or browsing the internet for LDR advice.
We get it. Long-distance relationships are awful. No matter how good or bad your day is, it hurts to be unable to spend time with someone you love in person and be forced to rely on FaceTime or chat rather than holding their hand and feeling their warmth.
But did you know that partners grow closer once separated by distance? A study published at Utah State University in 2024 found that 55% of Americans say they feel closer to their partner because of long-distance relationships!
The secret is to start with an open mind, determine what’s most effective for you and your partner, and then give your all. In this article, we’ll offer you tips for your long-distance relationship to last.
Now, take out your pen or launch your notes app and remember these.
How Can a Long-Distance Relationship Succeed?
You’ve probably asked yourself this a hundred times: Can long-distance work? First of all, take solace in the fact that long-distance partnerships are certainly feasible. We hope you and your lover will be by each other’s sides again soon, but in the meantime, here are some suggestions to help your relationship thrive despite the distance:
Communicate as Much as You Need
Come on, we’re living in times where we have more options to stay connected. Embrace and take advantage of technology! Being able to catch up whenever possible, regardless of distance, is a gift worth cherishing.
Talk about how much time you can spend on video calls or chats, as well as how long you’re both available each day or week. There may be unforeseen demands from both your career and personal life, so be flexible with one another.
Express Your Love and Affection Openly
As a result of spending less time together, jealousy, doubts, and insecurities may boil over. Be sure to verbally reassure each other often. Doing so lessens unpleasant emotions and makes it clear where you two stand as a couple.
Express to your partner how much you value and love your partnership. Also, don’t be scared to seek reassurance. Just as much as you say, “I love you, and I’m always thinking of you,” you should be able to hear it from them as well.
Support Each Other’s Growth
You and your partner will continue to evolve whether you are in the same location or not. That’s just normal and beneficial. You’re both cultivating a stable attachment if you allow each other to develop and mature.
Encourage one another as you develop your unique interests and strengths. Even though it might be annoying if her promotion takes away from your daily catch-up time, you should keep pushing her to pursue her passions.
Find Ways to Have Shared Experiences While Apart
The healthiest relationships are those that are interdependent. This means that you and your partner can continue to be unique while doing things together. In fact, finding activities you can do together as a couple despite the distance strengthens your bond.
Plan to read the same book together, stream a movie, share a playlist where you put sappy songs about long-distance relationships, or play games for long-distance couples such as It Takes Two, Among Us, Overcooked 2, and more!
Ensure Your Long-Distance Situation Is Temporary
You’ll eventually have to find ways of combining your worlds and be physically together. Keep in mind that love alone does not suffice. You must share the same values, passions, and outlook on a potential future together.
For it to work, you must somehow make the logistical, life-changing commitment to one another. Ultimately, both of you must work together to achieve your shared vision.
Long-Distance Relationship Gift Ideas
Words can’t help ease the pain of being apart from a loved one, but presents can. These long-distance gifts will undoubtedly make your partner’s heart fuller without breaking the bank:
1. Your Personal Hoodie
You do not have to spend any money on this thoughtful gift. If you have an extra hoodie in your closet, you can give it to them so they will always think of you when they wear it. Particularly because hoodies are versatile, they provide a fit that makes them feel at home wherever they go.
2. Care Package
A lovely idea is gathering your partner’s favorite items and sending them as a care package. Stuff it with a self-care kit, a scented candle, some sweets, and a card that you made yourself! But you’d then have to package and mail them yourself. This kind of idea demonstrates your attention to detail, even in little things. They will undoubtedly feel greatly seen and valued by you.
3. Soft Throw Blanket
When you’re away, a warm throw blanket will provide your sweetheart with a loving embrace, particularly if it’s winter where they are. They’ll undoubtedly enjoy cuddling with the blanket when you’re both on a video call or when it’s time to log off and you’re not there to give them a hug from across the bed.
4. Customized Accessories
It would be adorable and charming to give them a piece of personalized jewelry that serves as a constant reminder of your love. You can have both of your birthstones or initials as pendants on a personalized necklace. Additionally, you might have matching light-up touch bracelets that, with just a touch, can help you feel connected even if you are separated by great distances.
5. “Open When” Handwritten Letters
It’s old-fashioned, but nothing beats handwritten letters. Especially when tailored to specific situations. These “open when” envelopes have note cards on which you may write heartfelt notes to your partner for various occasions, such as when they’re feeling lonely, miss you, need a good laugh, or are feeling unmotivated.
The most frequent question for people seeking LDR advice is: Is it worthwhile? The answer is yes; it’s always worthwhile on a certain level. Because you’ll have gained a lot of insight into intimacy, commitment, and yourself, even if the relationship ends unhappily.
However, it can also be difficult to tell. Because you only have this half-baked knowledge of what dating the other person is like when you’re stuck in a long-distance relationship. To be honest, this type of relationship can be unpleasant, irritating, and lacking in passion. However, it is real, and whether a relationship lasts or not depends on that genuine intimacy.
References:
Olivia W. (2024). “How to Make A Long Distance Relationship Work Fruitfully.” Utah State University.
https://extension.usu.edu/hru/blog/13-tips-for-making-a-long-distance-relationship-work