Long-distance dating is not, as the saying goes, for the faint of heart. It’ll press your emotional buttons, stretch your patience, and call your deepest insecurities out by name. But it can also create a beautifully deep, unique kind of love that is built on foundational elements like trust, words, and emotional honesty, rather than companionship and physical touch.
6 Tips for Long Distance Dating
If you’re in a long-distance relationship and are looking for ways to make it better, here are some tips that can help you get the most out of it despite those annoying miles.
Don’t romanticize the distance
Missing someone might feel poetic in a song lyric, but the reality is that long-distance relationships can be exhausting. Instead of pretending that distance isn’t a big deal, acknowledge it and the struggles that each of you is dealing with. If you romanticize the situation, your partner might not feel free to discuss their struggles openly with you
Make the most of it
It’s one thing to acknowledge and discuss the obstacles you face and another to focus on them. Once you have discussed the challenges you are facing as a long-distance couple, it’s time to find practical solutions and celebrate the positive aspects of the relationship.
Work together to overcome the challenges and celebrate the fact that distance encourages stronger communication and helps to develop a relationship built on emotional connection rather than physical proximity.
Do life together, even when you’re apart
You may not be able to take turns pushing the grocery cart, but you certainly can share your daily life. Talk on the phone while you’re grocery shopping or video chat while on your daily walk.
You can sync your electronic devices to watch a movie together and help each other decide what you should wear to work the next day. These opportunities for bonding happen regularly for traditional couples, but with a little effort, those in a long-distance relationship can share the same experience.
Plan something to look forward to
Plan for an in-person visit, a future trip, or even something as simple as an online gaming night. Having something on the horizon helps you tolerate the miles between you. It reminds you that the waiting won’t last forever.
Acknowledge God in the relationship
Acknowledging God in your relationship is beneficial for all relationships, not just those at a distance. Ask Him to bless your relationship. Ask Him to secure the bond and for wisdom in communication, and ask Him to protect your partner and the relationship. If this relationship is part of God’s plan for your life, you can count on Him to help you work through the obstacles you will encounter.
Consider therapy
Therapy at Culver City Christian Counseling in California can help you deal with the individual challenges of a long-distance relationship, but it can also help you and your partner grow and develop as a couple. Online couples therapy is a good way to help determine your compatibility, work through issues, and learn valuable skills for maximizing your relationship. Contact us today at Culver City Christian Counseling.
Online Christian Couples Counseling
Long-distance dating isn’t the ideal situation for most couples. But then again, traditional couples face less-than-ideal situations every day, too. With intentionality, authenticity, creativity, therapy, and prayer, the miles between you and your honey can become fertile ground for beautiful love to bloom.
If you’re looking for additional support for your long-distance relationship, consider Christian couples counseling at Culver City Christian Counseling. We offer online options so you and your partner can participate together even when you’re apart.
Photo:
“Dune Flowers”, Courtesy of Annie Spratt, Unsplash.com, Unsplash+ License
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Stephanie Kramer: Author
Stephanie Kramer is the Editor-in-Chief of a leading faith-based publication. She holds a BA in Art History and Visual Anthropology from Western Washington University and brings extensive experience from her previous role as Editor of a prominent fai...