A long-distance relationship is a situation wherein one person is living or working in a location that’s miles away from his partner, spouse, lover or family. It’s a hard condition because of multiple factors like time difference, distance and others. Some relationships don’t survive distance because of those variables.


Check out the following ways to maintain communication when you’re in a long-distance relationship:

1. Do it regularly

It’s important to set a rhythm for communicating with your significant other. You could do this by sending each other good morning and good night texts every day. As much as you can, you could also keep each other posted about the day you’ve had, about any updates, and even about what you’ve had for lunch.

By keeping the communication lines between you two open, you’re making sure that you feel like a part of each other’s lives even when you’re apart. However, keep in mind that the mere act of dialling your loved one’s number doesn’t guarantee you the best long-distance partner award. Speaking to your partner regularly wouldn't matter if you aren't paying close attention to and being genuinely interested in what they’re saying.


2. Get creative

Sometimes, simple texts or daily 10-minute calls just don’t cut it anymore; little by little, you may feel the boredom creeping in. This is why you have to mix up the way you communicate with each other every once in a while. Maybe you could send a short clip - whether it’s cute and sweet or private and naughty is up to you. Another thing you can do is exchange questions like these to have a different kind of conversation.

Staying creative with the content and type of media you use to communicate with your special someone will prevent things from feeling repetitive while also showing that person that you’re still willing to put some effort into the relationship.


3. Do activities at the same time

The thing that can make long-distance relationships unbearable is the feeling that you’re no longer connected to the other person. You can avoid falling into that pit by trying to do things at roughly the same time, such as:
  • Watching something on Netflix - It’s even more fun if you’re on the phone together while watching because then you can exchange comments on certain scenes. 
  • Playing a game on the Internet - Even if it’s just a cheesy game on Facebook, playing together is still a great way to bond. 
  • Completing a project - If you have enough time to spare, doing an art project like an original song or a short film together is one way to keep things interesting.


4. Be informed about each other’s schedules

It’s good to know your partner’s class or work schedule so that you know exactly when they’re available for a call. Having this information also ensures that you’re updated on any minor or major events that will come up for them soon, which would give you enough time to prepare good luck messages or short encouraging notes ahead of time.


5. Send care packages

Communication doesn’t occur exclusively through words. By sending a care package that includes everything your partner loves, you’re essentially saying, “I miss you and I’m thinking about you.” Here are some ideas on what to include in a care package for your partner:
  • Local food - Everyone loves receiving their favorite foods in care packages. You can make yours even more special by including foods that they can’t buy where they are. Additionally, try to avoid sending homemade goods, since the trip will only dry them out. You can save those special hand-made foods for the next time you’re physically together.
  • Magazines - Your S.O. may miss their subscriptions to certain magazines, so they will highly appreciate it if you send them the latest copies of the magazines they enjoy reading.
  • Pictures - Although phones and other gadgets can hold hundreds of photographs, there’s something inherently better about printed copies. You can hold it in your hands, put it up on the wall, or put it in a picture frame. 
  • Personal touches - This is where you can start to dig even deeper. If your loved one is particularly sentimental, then you can send them something from, say, your first date or something that signifies an inside joke. Whatever it is, make it count.

Final Thoughts

Long-distance relationships get a bad reputation of being almost impossible to maintain. However, as long as you continue communicating with each other through the good times and the bad, you’ll still be endgame. Just remember to not overdo it. You don’t have to send your partner a hundred texts a day and know everything they’re doing to show your love. At the end of the day, it’s also about trust.