One thing is for sure – long distance relationship is not for the faint hearted. It has never been and will not be easy. This is because it is not only a separation by distance, but also on a territorial ground rule like the need for the visa to enter or remain in that territory. The mental challenge is also in the picture. The couple should understand that being in a long-distance relationship is a commitment. It cannot be taken for granted or just taken lightly.
At first, I never thought that this kind of relationship set-up would be this difficult. When I and hubby were in the early stage of the relationship, I did not imagine how hard it could be. We had planned to meet, and I thought that was it – our normal routine of having voice and video calls, sending messages would be enough to go on with our relationship. But it was not the case.
The moment we were together, I realized that it would be sad to be away from him. It always feels like a pinch in my heart when I see him leaving the airport. We had processed our K1 visa application. Unfortunately, we haven’t received our approval. We also didn’t know when it would be approved at that time. Until then, we could not be together.
Being away from each other made us seem paralyzed. The situation becomes harder as it takes longer.
Hubby and I always talked about our situation before and what things we could do to make us stronger while we are away from each other. Having experienced it firsthand, we truly understand how difficult and challenging it could be. That’s why we are sharing our long-distance relationship tips and long-distance relationship advice based on our situation.
Trust
It is the foundation of every relationship, whether it is friendship or romantic. To make a relationship strong such as ours, we have been in a long-distance relationship for years. I can say that we never doubted each other. If there was any doubt, we made sure to clear it. We prioritized addressing any doubts, no matter how small, to ensure we remained strong.
Constant communication
The main mode of communication in our long-distance relationship is through the internet – chat, messaging, audio and video calls. We made sure that we always had time to talk, see or hear each other’s voice every day. This daily communication helped us be aware of each other’s feelings. It allowed us to quickly sense when something was wrong and address it right away.
Plans to meet up or end up the LDR
We acknowledge that constant communication alone is not enough for a long-distance relationship set-up. Staying connected is important, but if you and your partner don’t have concrete plans to meet in person, the relationship may lose its meaning. The internet can help you stay in touch, but nothing compares to being physically present with each other.
More engaged and present for each other
When you talk, make sure you’re fully present. Being distracted or disengaged, even unintentionally, can give your partner the wrong impression. If you’re having a bad day, it’s better to let your partner know if you need to talk later, rather than risk misunderstandings.
Pictures/Video calls as often as possible
Sharing pictures and videos can make a big impact, but it shouldn’t feel like you’re monitoring your partner or being possessive. Sending these should be a gesture of love, not an obligation.
Be mindful of time difference
The time difference between you and your partner can affect every aspect of your communication. Whether you’re in different cities, countries, or continents, the hours between you can make it difficult to connect at times that feel natural for both. If one partner is awake and ready to talk while the other is sound asleep, it can lead to frustration. It’s essential to recognize that the time difference is something you both must work around to ensure your relationship stays strong.
Add more to your long-distance relationship
Surprising your partner with a thoughtful gift or a special note can brighten their day and make them feel loved. Don’t settle for routine or ordinary conversations. We often express affirmations and words of love, which helps strengthen our bond. There is nothing wrong if you can be a poet for a day, too.
Looking back, we can proudly say that we made it through tough times by following the tips we’ve shared above. All of this is based on our own experiences. There were moments when we felt down and questioned our situation. We faced LDR relationship problems, but through trust, constant communication, and being mindful of each other, we overcame it all. Our journey has proven that long-distance relationships may not always be easy. However, with dedication and love, they are worth it. If we can do it, so can you.
