The Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Long-Distance Relationship

There is nothing that puts a relationship to the test more than doing long distance.

Even when people speak about their long-distance relationships, we instinctively do a side-eye for no reason other than the horror stories we've heard about LDRs and their inevitable demise. This is only sometimes the case, and if you are in a healthy, trustworthy relationship, long-distance can often work. In some cases, it can even be the thing that revitalizes a monotonous relationship into something more exciting and curious. Here are some dos and don'ts to follow to help ensure you and your partner are on the same page and protect the relationship from chronic future side-eyes.

Make Time for Each Other

This may sound obvious, but setting time out of both your days to catch up, discuss your highs and lows and have a late-night gossip session with your partner will be insurmountable when trying to make long-distance work. Random check-ins and "I'm thinking of you" texts will go a long way in making your partner feel seen. This goes to say having daily check-ins where both your time is dedicated to each other is a great way to stay connected during a busy week, long-distance or not.

Communication

You have heard it far too many times, and for good reason—communication is critical in maintaining a healthy, functional relationship, especially when apart from each other. Sending each other handwritten letters every month can be such a sweet touch. Personally, we would cry into oblivion if we ever received a random, handwritten letter from our partners. Expressing how you both are feeling about this new arrangement, what areas need improvement, what you find yourself struggling with, and what things are working well will make your long-distance relationship not feel so distant. See what we did there?

Planning

Create a timeline of when you guys can see each other again. Being able to look forward to being in person again can give you both something to get excited about. Create a shared calendar countdown on your phone and start planning everything you guys will do on your next get-together.

Trust

None of what was said matters unless there is a strong foundation of trust. That goes to say that if you have doubts and countless questions about your relationship and you're unsure where you and your partner stand, long-distance may not be the right fit at this time. Trust is vital in making any relationship work. And last but not least, have patience. You both are figuring out this new arrangement as you go, so allow each other the space to do so.

Want to learn more about maintaining a healthy relationship? HERE for how I navigate a healthy relationship after leaving a toxic one.