A Guide to Long-Distance Relationships

Hey y’all! So we’re gonna get away from the topic of our wedding for a little bit to talk about navigating a long distance relationship. Long-distance relationships can be challenging but incredibly rewarding if you both put in the work. Let’s dive into some tips that have helped Neh and I over the last year and a half.

1. Communication Is Key:

   Regular and meaningful communication is soooo important. It’s easy to just sit on FaceTime with each other and never actually talk. So make it a goal to communicate your thoughts and feelings, talk about your day, talk about what’s going good in the relationship and what can be improved. Always keep good communication, even through the tough times.

2. Trust and Transparency:

   In the beginning of our relationship we established that the only way we would be able to make it work is if we trusted one another. We built this trust by having open communication, owning up to our mistakes, and being honest with each other in all things.

3. Setting Expectations:

   Setting expectations while in a long distance relationship is vital. Now these expectations may look different to everyone. By setting expectations, there was no room for guessing, we knew what we expected of each other in all ways and this really helped keep our bond strong.

4. Stay Creative and Spend Quality Time Together:

   Now this is a more difficult one. Neh and I are over 2,200 miles away from each other so finding things to do together can be a bit challenge. Our top 3 favorite things to do are playing the game “THEAND”, we love having movie nights, and studying the Bible together. Now that we are engaged, wedding planning has also been really enjoyable.

5. Plan Visits Thoughtfully:

   What has really helped us is knowing when we are going to see each other again. It gives us something to look forward to. I keep a countdown on social media, on my Home Screen, and on my countdown app. This may be a little excessive lolol but it works for me.

6. Coping with Loneliness:

   While we may be engaged, months of not seeing each other in person is hard. But remember the bigger picture. It’s short term pain for long term gain.

7. Managing Conflict:

   Whenever conflict arises, BE QUICK to talk it out and resolve it. Problems happen. We’re humans. But in a long distance relationship, it’s a lot easier to just ignore the problem… and the person. Don’t allow that to happen.

8. Self-Care Is Key:

   Make sure that you are still making time for yourself away from your partner (although they may only be on FaceTime.) Have that self care night. Let him play his game. Go out with your friends. Just as couples who live in the same city need their own time, us long distance couples do too!

9. The Future Together:

   Discuss your future plans and how you'll bridge the gap in the long run. Consistently talk about the future together. Whether it’s your plans as a couple or individually. Not only will this push you to work towards those goals. It also gives you something to look forward to in those moments when it seems like the distance is too much.

While being long-distance has its challenges, it's a beautiful journey worth taking.