Skip to main content

4 key tips to help make a long-distance relationship last

Insta Photos/Shutterstock

Plenty of relationships have to deal with significant periods of distance, whether it’s a few weeks, months, or even years. A study in the Journal of Communication found that as many as 3 million Americans experience geographical distance in their marriage, while three-quarters of all college students have participated in a long-distance relationship at some point.

Though many long-distance relationships are successful, in others, there is a natural tendency to fall into communication ruts or even break off the relationship entirely. But it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes is a little creativity, persistence, and dedication (from both parties) to push past the distance and create a bond that will last. If you’re looking to inject the fun back into your relationship, check out these tips to keep your relationship as strong as ever.

Remember that it can work

Long-distance relationships do not have to be fragile things. In fact, a relationship can even grow stronger over distance. The Journal of Communication study proves that absence can indeed make the heart grown fonder, finding that people in long-distance relationships experience equal or more amounts of trust and contentment as those who are geographically close.

According to the study authors, this is because communication can become stronger and more intimate over long distances. By overcoming challenges and exercising honest conversation, the partners create a stronger bond based on trust and compatibility as opposed to physical closeness.

Entering into a long-distance relationship with a positive attitude will start you all on the right foot, working to preserve and grow as opposed to acting out in fear or jealousy.

Bo1982/Shutterstock

Take an all-of-the-above approach to communication

With social media, various video chatting apps, and unlimited texting, there are more than enough methods of communication to keep in contact. Boredom will sour a relationship pretty quickly, so don’t limit yourself to a texting saga. Consider incorporating video calls, social media, and phone calls, or make it a truly romantic moment and consider sending a hand-written letter, postcard, or greeting card.

Don’t forget that a video call doesn’t have to just involve you two sitting on your respective couches and catching up. There are plenty of long-distance activities you can do while on Zoom like cooking a meal, watching a movie, going on a walk, or painting.

Some of these may seem quaint or old-fashioned, but that’s exactly what makes them fun. Give yourselves a reason to check the mail that doesn’t involve coupons or credit card offers.

Send online gifts

Even on a tight budget, you can find a small gift to send to your partner as a physical token of your commitment and affection.

Flower delivery services are easily accessible online, as are those that ship chocolates, fresh fruit, or just about anything else to your sweetheart’s desk or doorstep. To make it more personal, find a present that references an inside joke or treasured memory. Order prints of one of your favorite photos together and send them along to your partner, just to let them know you’re thinking about your treasured memories.

Pra Chid/Shutterstock

Sort out the schedules

At times, organizing schedules can feel like a game of Tetris. Maybe Tuesday is your busy day at work or your partner is less available in the evenings compared with daytime. It doesn’t matter what the scheduling specifics are, what matters is that you understand your partner’s preferences and behave accordingly. This relieves stress on both sides because there’s no unwanted communication, and unexplained periods of silence are no longer, well, unexplained.

Don’t forget: The devil is always in the details. Figure out ahead of time when and how you will communicate, including the time of day. If you don’t make a habit of scheduling before-hand, it will become more and more difficult to carve out the time needed for a healthy long-distance relationship. With all that said, there’s no need to plan every single tiny thing. Leave space for spontaneity and changing plans; just make sure there’s a basic structure in place for effective communication.

Like any other relationship, the success of a long-distance relationship is based on the commitment of each partner. If each partner is intent on making it work and on meeting each other’s needs, there’s no reason the relationship can’t be successful, even at the most frustrating of times. If you work through the situation together, you’ll both be there to reap the well-deserved rewards.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Scott Harris
Scott Harris is a freelance writer based near Washington, DC, with more than a decade of experience covering health…
4 delicious natural energy drinks you can make at home
Woman pouring green smoothie into a cup

When that afternoon slump hits, it can be hard to have the energy to focus on anything. Everyone needs a little boost now and then. But store-bought energy drinks are chock full of sugar, caffeine, and other harmful additives. Luckily, you don’t need to run out to the nearest convenience store for an energy shot to get hours of drive. Homemade energy drinks can naturally restore your electrolytes and give you a boost when you need it the most. The next time you’re feeling tired and lethargic, try out one of these four natural energy drinks for a quick boost.

Orange Wheatgrass Smoothie Recipe
Wheatgrass is one of the healthiest ingredients you can include in a natural energy drink. It’s high in manganese, folate, and vitamins A and C, which help revitalize your body and jumpstart your day. Check out this sweet recipe from Blender Babes.
Ingredients
1 orange or 2 tangerines, peeled
1/2 banana, frozen
1/2 cup almond or coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh wheatgrass or 1/4 tsp wheatgrass powder
1/4 cup water or coconut water
1/2 cup ice
Instructions
This simple recipe takes only about five minutes to make and produces one to two servings of smoothie. You can make your own substitutions to personalize this beverage and create a beverage that you’ll love to drink every day. To make this smoothie, add all the ingredients into the blender. Make sure the lid is on tight, and then blend until the mixture is smooth.
Sunrise Energy Drink
Start your morning with a little extra punch with this great recipe from SparkRecipes. This energy drink is full of omega-3, vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber, bromelain, and so much more. Plus, the gorgeous, vibrant orange color of the drink is totally Instagram-worthy.
Ingredients
12 medium-sized baby carrots
12 seedless red grapes
1 cup diced pineapple
1 tbsp flaxseeds
4 oz low sugar orange juice
4 oz water
Instructions
To make a single serving of this delicious energy drink, start by adding all the ingredients to a blender. If you like a slushier consistency to your smoothies, you can add ice to the recipe. Combine until the mixture is thoroughly blended. Then, pour into a glass and enjoy the extra lift.

Read more
5 great conversation starters to make small talk more natural
small talk easy group office

Perhaps it’s an underrated skill, but effective small talk is one of adulthood’s great minor talents.

Having pleasant small talk at the ready can put people at ease, amuse them, and even help strengthen or create relationships. This can apply at work, on a date, at a family reunion, or just about anywhere else. Although there isn’t a whole lot of small-talk data available, it seems likely that many, or even most, people aren’t so adept at shooting the breeze, meaning anyone who can fill the awkward silence might be viewed favorably just by doing it.

Read more
5 helpful solutions to try when you’re feeling left out by friends
solutions left out friends man feeling

There’s no way around it: humans are social creatures. It’s important to have independence and the confidence to not let the opinions of others define us, but at the same time, a need for belonging is hard-wired in our brains going back to our days when strength in numbers could literally mean the difference between life and death.

That must be why it’s so painful and frustrating to feel as if you’re being left out by your friends. If it’s any comfort, you’re not the first person to experience these feelings, and you’re far from the last. On a practical level, this means the issue is well-understood by experts, and while no one (including you) can wave a magic wand and make the issue go away, there are some strategies and techniques you can use to help you process and respond to the problem.
Don’t jump to conclusions
Before going any further, retrace your steps. Are you certain you’re not inadvertently giving the issue more power than it deserves?

Read more