Trendy Tourist

Travel in Style

  • Travel Fashion
  • Style
    • Beauty
  • Travel
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Guides
      • Asia
      • Europe
      • North America
      • Oceania
  • Lifestyle
  • About
  • Collaborate
    • Advertise
    • Guest Posting
    • Contact
  • Shop
    • Travel Fashion Favourites

Explore

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Guest Posting
  • Contact

Connect

Lifestyle · January 24, 2018

How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work Effectively

Full disclosure: I was in a long-distance relationship with my American boyfriend for two years before we moved to New Zealand to be together physically in 2019.

This meant that we only saw each other every two to three months when we first started dating by flying back and forth.

Sure, sometimes the time passed quickly. Sometimes it felt like slow torture. However, most of the time, I could deal with it.

How, you ask? Well, because I knew he was something special.

And it turns out I was right, because we’re now happily engaged and planning a wedding together! Hurrah!

If you’re currently in a long-distance relationship, I want to tell you that I feel your pain. I know more than anyone how tough it is on a person in every sense – mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.

That said, I also want to let you know that you will get through it.

After all, you won’t be long-distance forever. This is a temporary situation. And my fiancé and I are living proof!

That said, read on for my top tips when it comes to how to make a long distance relationship work.

How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work Effectively

(Please note that this was a collaborative post but all opinions are my own. For our full privacy policy, please click here.)

Contents

  • 1. Talk Every Day
  • 2. Always Have a Plan in Place for the Next Visit
  • 3. Make Use of Technology
  • 4. Arrange Date Nights
  • 5. Send Each Other Cute Gifts
  • 6. Have an End Goal in Mind
  • 7. Stay Positive
  • How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work, Survive and Thrive
  • Katie Davies

1. Talk Every Day

How to make a long distance relationship work 101: communicate.

Whether it’s through Snapchat, WhatsApp or via Skype, talk to your long distance love every single day.

And texting is all well and good, but using your voice actually makes the conversation feel a lot more personal and binding.

It doesn’t have to be for long if the time difference makes it difficult for you both, but daily communication is so important in a long distance relationship. It bridges all those physical miles between you and helps you feel connected.

Also, make sure you say good morning and good night to each other without fail. This shows that you’re thinking of the other person as soon as you wake up and last thing at night before you go to sleep – and it makes you feel cared for.

2. Always Have a Plan in Place for the Next Visit

Back in the day, Nathan and I always had solid travel plans in place for the next time one of us was going to visit the other. I mean, you kind of have to – flights are expensive and they get booked up pretty quickly!

If you make a plan to plan your trips ahead of time, it always gives both you and your partner something to look forward to. Especially on bad days where you’re craving their touch or physical presence.

Counting down the days until the moment you meet face-to-face again is also kind of comforting – and it keeps you both going until that moment arrives.

3. Make Use of Technology

Listen, we’re so lucky to have the technology that we have nowadays so you might as well make the most of it!

For Nathan and I personally, FaceTime was a life-saver. We primarily used video chat to talk as we liked being able to see each other. It made us feel happier and more connected.

That said, we also interacted via social media by tagging each other in memes on Facebook (etc) which let the other person know that they were being thought of.

Either way, technology is extremely handy and we probably wouldn’t be able to have long distance relationships without it. Therefore, make sure that you embrace it with open arms.

4. Arrange Date Nights

In addition, Nathan and I used to have nights where we arranged FaceTime or Skype dates. This was so we could do the things we would have done if we were actually together.

(For instance, cook a meal, have a glass of wine or even watch a film.)

This helps to keep the spark alive and also makes you feel like you’re spending quality time together, even though you’re not actually with each other.

FYI, you can still be romantic in a long distance relationship. In fact, the whole “two lovers torn apart by geographical distance” thing can make your relationship seem even more romantic.

You know, like the olden days. Swoon.

5. Send Each Other Cute Gifts

Sending each other cute gifts when you’re in a long distance relationship is another way of letting the other person know that you’re thinking of them. This is regardless of whether it’s a special occasion or not.

The gift in question can be something virtual if you’re on a tight budget. However, receiving something physical through the post can mean so much more when you’re so far apart (like Christmas has come early!).

For example, I once sent Nathan these cute retro prints from Printiki (*) for Valentine’s Day. They illustrated our relationship and all the things we’d done and places we’d been together so far. And he really loved and appreciated them!

Couple Retro Print
Valentines Day Photo Collage

(You can use my code “5DT8ZG” at the checkout on Printiki’s website to receive free shipping.)

6. Have an End Goal in Mind

Presuming you don’t want to be in long distance relationship forever (I mean – who does, right?), make sure you’re both open and honest with each other with regards to your future plans.

It’s important to keep the lines of communication open, talk about adapting your situation regularly and both work towards a common end goal.

Sure, things might not seem clear at first. But if you both truly love each other, you’ll be able to work out a plan to ultimately be closer to each other.

7. Stay Positive

Finally, even though you’ll have days where you feel like packing it in, it’s so important to preserve a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) when it comes to how to make a long distance relationship work.

If you don’t stay upbeat and focus on your future with your partner, instead of how challenging your present is, you’ll struggle to cope.

Lean on each other, be there for one another and cry together if you need to.

And above all, always remember that this too shall pass.

How to Make a Long Distance Relationship Work, Survive and Thrive

Long distance relationships are definitely challenging, but it is possible to get through them.

And sometimes you don’t even have a choice if you’re adamant you’ve met your one or you’re already married.

The trick is to stay emotionally connected as much as possible to make up for the physical aspect being missing. And if you’re successful, it’ll make your relationship even stronger as a result.

Have you ever been in a long distance relationship? What are your top tips in terms of how to make a long distance relationship work?

Katie Davies
Katie Davies

Katie Davies is the Yorkshire-based freelance writer who founded Trendy Tourist. In the last three years, she has written for over 100 companies on a range of subjects, from fashion to marketing. When she’s not producing content, you can find her shopping, exploring a new place or sitting somewhere having a cup of builder’s tea.

  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    7 Reasons Why Stray New Zealand Changed My Life
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    East Coast Australia Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide
  • Katie Davies
    https://www.trendytourist.co.uk/author/katie/
    Top Things to Do in Wilmington NC

Posted By: Katie Davies · In: Lifestyle

7 Ways to Set up and Grow Your Fashion Blog
3 Winter Coats You Need in Your Wardrobe

You’ll Also Love

Cooking Virtual Date Ideas15 Virtual Date Ideas For Long Distance Couples
How to Improve Physical Health and WellnessHow to Improve Physical Health and Wellness (in 10 Ways)
30th Birthday LessonsLearn to Love Yourself First and These 7 Things Happen

Sign Up to Our Mailing List to Receive a Free Packing Guide!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MEETING MY FUTURE HEAD-ON. 💁🏼‍♀️ Okay MEETING MY FUTURE HEAD-ON. 💁🏼‍♀️  Okay, post-lockdown brunches, shopping and drinks with the girls, I’m ready for you now.  Can you hurry up with your roadmap please, Boris? There’s a good lad. 👏🏻  In other news, I’m so happy that the weather is getting warmer, even though I’ll miss how snugly this knee-length puffer is.  What about you? 🌞 #fbloggersuk #fbloggeruk
KING & QUEEN. 👑 You are my today and all of my KING & QUEEN. 👑  You are my today and all of my tomorrows @nathanthuerwachter. I miss you so much!  For all of our fellow long-distance couples, you can still celebrate Valentine’s Day on Sunday even though you’re apart. Check out the latest article on Trendy Tourist that gives you 15 virtual date ideas to amp up the romance. 🌹  (Link in bio!) #elopementwedding #elopementphotography
SNOW BIG DEAL... Leeds is just giving me Milwauke SNOW BIG DEAL...  Leeds is just giving me Milwaukee vibes for the third time in a month. 🤷🏼‍♀️⛄️  Absolutely living for puffer jackets at the moment. Whether belted, knee-length, duvet-style or with a statement hood, you just can’t beat this snuggly yet stylish cover-up for your essential journeys.  Read more about the types of puffer jackets to be seen in this winter season at www.trendytourist.co.uk. (Full link in bio!) ❄️ #pufferjackets #pufferjacket
HAIR NECESSITIES. Looking back at the few photos HAIR NECESSITIES.  Looking back at the few photos I have from my wedding ceremony over a month ago is keeping me going in lockdown 3.0! 💪🏻  Thanks to @casasalonkw for making my messy mop Pinterest-worthy on my special day. 👰‍♀️  This beautiful bejewelled accessory is called a bridal vine and I knew once I saw it that it had to be mine. 😍  What do you think? #bridalvine #weddinghairstyles
YAY FOR REPEAT FASHION. 🙌🏻 You might have n YAY FOR REPEAT FASHION. 🙌🏻  You might have noticed on my feed that I’m a big fan of re-wearing and getting the most out of my clothes.  Sure, fast fashion is affordable and enticing, but not exactly environmentally-friendly (or often ethical).  Instead, I champion sustainable style!  Why? Well:  - It’s better quality
- It’s kind to the planet
- It saves money
- It saves packing space when you’re going on a trip 🧳💪🏻  Read more about how you can be more sustainable with fashion in 2021 by visiting www.trendytourist.co.uk (link in bio). 💕  P.S. Doesn’t Christmas feel like it was ages ago?! #sustainablestyle #sustainableclothing
WEDDING DETAILS. 💁🏼‍♀️ Haven’t got WEDDING DETAILS. 💁🏼‍♀️  Haven’t got all the photos back yet but our ceremony photographer @julia_roy_photos was kind enough to send through a sneak-peek! 😄  The whole look I was going for was “romantic elegance” with some boho touches to tie in with the beach setting.  Hence, the beautiful flowers with blush pink accents and soft ivory draping that juxtaposed the rustic textures of the bamboo arbour, aisle lanterns and co-ordinating seashells.  Thank you @bigdaykw for helping bring my vision to life!  What do you think? I’ll share hair and makeup details next. 👰‍♀️  (Disclaimer: not an ad, just grateful!)
#elopementwedding #elopementphotography
OVERLOOKING (AND WEARING) NATURE. 🌊🌸 Just b OVERLOOKING (AND WEARING) NATURE. 🌊🌸  Just because there are dark clouds on the horizon doesn’t mean there isn’t beauty to be found all around you.  Have faith. Trust the universe. It won’t be long until blue skies are revealed and the sun shines out the clearer. 🌞  On a side note, I live in strappy tops, linen shorts and flip flops when I’m in a warm climate. (Or short, loose-fitting skirts and dresses!)  What about you? Do you like comfy summer style too? 💕 #travelfashion #travelstyle
WALKING INTO 2021. ...Out of the frying pan and i WALKING INTO 2021.  ...Out of the frying pan and into the fire! 🔥  Holy smokes - another UK lockdown. Good job I arrived back from the States just in time? 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️😂  We got this, people. This is not our first (or second) rodeo! 🤠  My DMs are open if you need to talk! #uklockdown #lockdowntakethree
2020 IN REVIEW. This year has been tough for us a 2020 IN REVIEW.  This year has been tough for us all.  On a personal level, I’ve had days where I’ve struggled to get out of bed and be motivated whether I was supposed to be working or not. Days where I didn’t know who my next client was or where my next paycheque was coming from, which was heartbreaking when I’d spent three years building a business only for it to slow down to a complete standstill. Days where I’ve been so low because this new way of living has felt never-ending and soul-destroying.  That said, I’ve also been lucky enough to experience some amazing highlights, which have brought unexpected joy to my life in such a challenging time. These include:  - Spending the new year with my family in Wellington having just been proposed to on Christmas Day and having just celebrated my Dad’s 60th birthday on NYE
- Travelling around the North Island of New Zealand with my fiancé
- Visiting Perth, Australia for the first time
- Celebrating my 30th birthday with friends and family in Leeds
- Travelling around Ireland with my fiancé 
- Visiting Cancun for the second time
- Having a beach elopement and becoming a Mrs in Key West, Florida 
- Visiting Miami Beach for the second time  (All while adhering to COVID guidelines, of course!) ☺️  Now I’m reflecting during a brief stopover in Wisconsin before heading back to the UK.  Sure, there are going to be more tough times to come in 2021. Thanks to this new strain of coronavirus, more restrictions and lockdowns are inevitable. However, if humanity has proved anything so far, it’s that we’re strong, resilient and can overcome anything we put our minds to.  The comeback is always greater than the setback.  So here’s to a better year ahead, may you continue to find hope in the darkest hour. There is always light at the end of the tunnel if you’re willing to look for it. ♥️ #2020inreview #goodbye2020
JUST MARRIED. 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️ We just JUST MARRIED. 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️  We just couldn’t wait, so we eloped!  Now Key West will forever have a special place in our hearts, just like Nashville (where we met in 2015) and Wellington (where we got engaged last year).  Regardless, home is wherever I’m with you @nathanthuerwachter. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures!  (...And celebrating properly once this pandemic is over!) 🥂 #elopementwedding #elopementphotography
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 Trendy Tourist · Theme by 17th Avenue

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT