Have you recently connected with someone you like through an online dating site that lives miles away? Has your significant other recently gotten a new job offer or promotion requiring them to work in another state or country? If so, you know how challenging it can be to keep the love alive. The distance between you leaves little time for in-person meetings, which puts a strain on your relationship.
When you really care about someone, you don’t want to let something like distance keep your love from blossoming. Ultimately, you and your partner must find creative ways to connect and show your appreciation for each other. Luckily, there are a few options to consider.
Digital Date Nights
Video conferencing applications make it easy for people to connect with others no matter where they live. All you need is a smartphone, computer, or tablet and an internet connection. Schedule time throughout the week to link with your significant other. As for activities, there are a few things you can do together. You can:
- Have dinner
- Play games
- Watch a movie, television show, comedy show, or online concert
- Do art (paint and sip)
- Double date
- Take cooking lessons
- Workout together
- Tour your cities
- Have some flirtatious adult fun
Send Gifts
Whether your love language is receiving gifts or it’s a special occasion, one way you can keep the love alive in your long-distance relationship is to send each other tokens of appreciation. There’s nothing like coming home to a gift from someone you love. The good news is there are plenty of ideas, no matter what your budget. Here are a few popular options.
- Gift cards
- Personalized books (for birthdays or other special occasions)
- Physical, digital, or audiobooks
- Sweets (cookies, chocolate, edible arrangements, etc.)
- Flowers
- Clothes
- Jewelry
- Health and wellness products
Love Notes, Texts, And Emails
You’d be surprised how something as simple as a few meaningful words can strengthen your long-distance relationship. You can keep the romance alive by sending love notes, texts, and emails throughout the week.
Old-fashioned love letters in the mail are a pleasant surprise to receive. Write them messages about how you’re doing, how they make you feel, your plans for the future, and other relevant topics. If you’re not a fan of snail mail, you can always send an email. A simple, flirty text message with a meme or photo attached can also be a pleasant pick-me-up for your partner.
Plan A Mini Vacation
While the above ideas are great for strengthening the connection between you and someone you love, it doesn’t compare to in-person visits. When your schedule and budget allow it, try to plan a mini-vacation to be with your significant other. Whether you’re able to stay for a weekend or an entire week, the time you spend together will be worthwhile. You can visit their place, make room for them to visit you, or find an in-between destination that saves you both time and money.
When you’re together, try to make the most of your time. Do your research in advance to find out about fun activities to do when you arrive. If you’re strapped for cash, there are free and cheap things you can do together that are meaningful. You can take a walk through a park and have a romantic picnic, spend the night cuddling and watching movies, attend a community event, go to the farmer’s market, or just take a long drive through a picturesque area.
When you find true love, you want to hold onto it at all costs. Don’t let something like distance keep you from cultivating a strong, healthy relationship. Thanks in part to modern technology, there are several ways that long-distance couples can keep the spark going no matter where they live. Whether you have regular virtual dates, send weekly messages of love, or plan quarterly vacations, it will go a long way in improving the happiness in your love life.