11 Sweet Things to Do in a Long-Distance Relationship

A man having a video call with his long-distance partner

Keep the love alive with these 11 sweet things to do in a long-distance relationship.

Maintaining relationships within proximity is already hard enough. What more if you’re in a long-distance relationship? You face double the obstacles, and with that, you have to put in double the effort to keep the wheels turning.

But as challenging as long-distance relationships are, they, fortunately, aren’t impossible to sustain. They open up creative avenues to express love and affection, so couples here have no excuse. If that’s not dedication, then we don’t know what is.

Whether it’s a normal day or a special occasion, there’s a lot you can do to keep your connection alive and kicking. Here are 11 sweet things to do in a long-distance relationship.


#1: Send letters

As surprising as it is, snail mail still exists. And that’s because few things have aged as well as handwritten letters.

While digital messages are still sweet, pen-and-paper messages offer a personal and thoughtful touch. This may explain the extra tug on the heartstrings whenever we receive one.

Give your long-distance lover something to reminisce about by penning a sweet love letter. While it won’t bring you together physically, it will undoubtedly make you feel closer—even from afar.

Make your letter extra special by keeping it a secret. Don’t tell your partner you’re sending one for a pleasant surprise.


#2: Relive your love before the technology

Nowadays, we can’t imagine how LDRs would be without technology. Video calls and instant messaging have become communication staples for couples everywhere, especially long-distance ones.

But put your phones down for a minute and consider this idea: take the first suggestion’s premise and extend it.

If you’ve warmed up to sending letters, make it extra special by adding visuals, like photographs and drawings, or small tokens. While it’ll make them miss you more, it’ll help them catch up with your life’s happenings much better.


#3: Virtual vacation

Your physical distance can’t make you take a vacation together, and money may be a problem. With that, turn to the next best thing and go virtual.

Pick any destination. It can be somewhere you’ve never been. It could be a city/town/country that’s long been on your bucket list. You can also choose a place you’ve visited and want to return to.

Once you’ve chosen, check to see if they have virtual tours. If they do, go ahead and explore.

Man stargazing alone in a forest

Short on long-distance relationship ideas? Try stargazing.


#4: Stargazing

So far, of all the long-distance relationship ideas on this list, this one may be the most romantic.

There’s something about the night sky that’s captivating. Perhaps it's due to its vast nature that evokes wonder. Maybe it’s the ever-enduring twinkle of the stars. Whatever it is, the night draws people in.

You may not have the same sky, but you can still look at the stars together while far apart. Use a stargazing app and turn your respective living rooms into observatories.


#5: Send care packages

Taking care of your sick partner or giving them a gift on their birthday would be a piece of cake if you live close to each other. But the distance in a relationship doesn’t stop you from doing these. You just need a little creativity.

Express your love through care packages.

Going by the name, these boxes show your affection and thoughtfulness. You usually fill them with products that provide your partner joy or comfort. And since they’re customizable, feel free to pack yours with some of your partner’s favorite things.


#6: Movie night

Having daily chats is well and good, but we bet you’d rather be by each other’s side right now.

If you two were under the same roof, you’d probably be at the movies, sharing a bucket of popcorn.

The good thing is that you can recreate normal movie dates through a private watch party. Some platforms allow two users to watch the same thing simultaneously through syncing. If not, you can always stream the same film using your respective accounts.


#7: Dressing up

Add some flair to your daily video calls or virtual dates by dressing up. And don’t worry; your clothes don’t have to come straight from a designer’s rack with expensive price tags.

If you have a nice, smart-casual three-piece suit or a fancy-looking dress hanging at the back of your closet, now’s the time to dust them off and wear them. Seeing you in a nice outfit will make your partner fall in love with you all over again. Perhaps it might even inspire them to step up their fashion game.


Photos compiled for a scrapbook

Close the distance in a relationship through a sweet scrapbook of your memories.

#8: Scrapbooking

If you’ve got physical remembrances of your shared memories, now’s the time to put them on display. Collect photos, tickets, and other mementos and place them in a scrapbook. Let your creativity flourish throughout its pages.

If you don’t have the time or energy for cutting and pasting, you can always opt for the digital route. Use a journaling app and design away.

Once you’re done with your scrapbook, send it to your partner. It’ll give them a nice walk down memory lane with you, even if they’re away.


#9: Joint workout

Virtual workouts have long been around since the pandemic. Put them to good use and enroll in a class with your partner. Not only will it keep you healthy, but it’ll be a productive way to spend quality time together. Who doesn’t like a good exercise buddy?

Choose a workout that you both find enjoyable. Fortunately, you have tons of options, from Pilates to strength training.


#10: Walking

Take your mind off of the daily grind and take a walk. You and your partner can do this at the same time virtually. Just give each other a call. Then, chat away and show each other your views. You may not be physically together, but this allows you to maintain your closeness.


#11: Plan your next reunion

Have something to look forward to! Close the distance with love through a sweet little reunion!

This idea needs two minds to work together. You and your partner should hold discussions to cover all your bases. Be on the lookout for seat sales, accommodation rates, and other logistical matters to get them sorted out. Save all the details and compile them in a document or spreadsheet for reference.


Maintaining Consistency in Long-Distance Relationships

Is long-distance worth it?

Many people ask this question because they’re well aware of the challenges of maintaining this setup. Some might answer them with no, and others will say yes.

But here’s our take:

Absolutely! It will take work, but the payoff is worth the effort.

These 11 sweet things to do in long-distance relationships should help you maintain the consistency you and your partner have. But don’t just stop at our list. Feel free to adopt our ideas to suit your preferences and needs. As long as connection and growth are your priorities, you should be good.