Long-Distance Relationship Advice: 5 Practical Tips

Sometimes, a long-distance relationship is unavoidable. You might be separated from your loved one due to work, school, deployment, or searching for a new home. Whatever the reason, your bond can remain strong with a little bit of long-distance relationship advice.

Advice for the Long-Distance Relationship

If your loved one is far away, you need long-distance relationship advice from a trusted source. Your goal is to strengthen the relationship, especially the emotional connection. The first step is to commit to the relationship. You know there will be bumps in the road due to distance, but stay positive and focus on what’s to come.

Be clear about expectations

Miscommunication is a relationship killer. Be clear about expectations in a long-distance relationship. How often will you call or text? How late is too late? Establish when to expect calls and visits. Also, discuss trust in the relationship.

Many people start a long-distance relationship before trust is built, and feel insecure throughout the relationship. Set boundaries. Do you have non-negotiables, or behaviors that you will not tolerate? Be clear on your values and priorities, and respect those of your loved ones.

Communicate consistently

Communicate consistently and regularly. This could mean good morning texts and evening phone calls, weekly video chats, or shared screens, depending on the situation. Set a schedule you both agree upon and stick to it.

Even little texts throughout the day, sharing what is happening, can draw you closer. Send pictures and funny memes when you think your loved one could use a laugh. It is the little things that build emotional intimacy. Surprise them with the details.

Visit often

Physical connection is just as important as other types of intimacy. With long-distance relationships, this aspect is challenging, so make it a priority to visit often. Whether you go to them, or they come to you. Spend time in their environment and meet their friends and coworkers, if possible. Introduce them to your favorite places. Plan these visits as something to look forward to in between get-togethers.

Plan for the future

Think of your separation as temporary. Make plans for the future and set goals. While apart, set goals for your future self. This could be a fitness or health goal, a financial goal, or a career goal. Relationships are both dependent and independent. You need to have a life outside the relationship while also planning your future with your loved one.

Have fun

The best long-distance relationship advice is to have fun. Don’t limit your communication to phone calls. Try sharing a screen and watching a movie together. Send small surprise gifts. Video chat while walking through a park or stargazing. Make virtual dates. When you are physically together, date each other, and focus on the other person.

Seek virtual couples counseling if you need help

Long-distance relationships are hard work, and there are times when quitting may seem easier. Don’t let the physical distance destroy the relationship. Instead, work to build emotional intimacy and commitment. After reading through the long-distance relationship advice above, if you feel your relationship needs work, contact our reception team today to schedule a session with a Christian counselor in Orange County, California.

Your counselor in Orange County will combine evidence-backed psychology methods with faith-based principles to help you and your partner through rough patches to ensure you endure for years to come. Contact us today at Orange County Christian Counseling in California to get started.