All relationships are hard, but if you add distance into the equation, then even the most loving couples may struggle to make things work.
Many things are set against a long distance relationship, or LDR, right from the start such as the fact that schedules may not match, there will be a tiny chance for intimacy, and you may also experience issues with trust.
If the relationship is healthy, to begin with, then there is every chance that distance will not put an end to it. You need to be prepared for plenty of hard work along the way.
What Are The Main Issues In A Long Distance Relationship?
Couples that are in an LDR will face different problems to those that are in a regular relationship.
When you do not see someone every day, there are not the opportunities to be as close as you would like. Trust issues may also arise when you do not know what the other person is doing throughout their days.
There may also be delays in speaking to the other person if they do not answer the phone or reply to their messages and this also does not help with trust. There are thought to be three main problems that occur in long distance relationships.
Schedules Do Not Match
The biggest problem that people in LDRs face is that their schedules do not match and therefore they are not able to speak to each other as often as they would like. Both parties will find that they become involved in friendships and other social situations that do not include their partner.
While this is not a problem in itself, it can become difficult if these things start getting in the way of talking to your partner. Even just spending a few minutes each night to speak to each other can make a real difference and this is even better if it is coupled with messages that are sent throughout the day.
Not Taking Advantage Of All Communication Methods
Getting involved in an LDR is now easier than ever because there are so many ways that you can keep in touch. You no longer have to just rely on phone calls, and letters as texts and instant messages can be sent throughout the day. Skype and FaceTime mean that it is also possible to talk face to face.
However, sometimes couples do not take advantage of all these communication methods, and this means that they can go for lengthy periods of time without speaking at all.
The Presence Of Trust Issues
If there have previously been problems in the relationship, then it may not be the best idea to embark on a long distance relationship as being apart from each other can make these issues worse.
There is no way to know what the other person is doing all day, and if there are already trust issues here then this can lead to all manner of thoughts running through your head, and this has the potential to make you heartbroken.
How Can You Keep An LDR Exciting?
An LDR takes much hard work, and you may have to put in twice as much effort than you would in a regular relationship. You need to be creative in the ways that you spend time together and make sure that you both make time for the other person. The following suggestions can help to keep your relationship exciting and ensure that both of you remain happy.
Make Time For The Two Of You
If you were in a healthy relationship, then it would be natural that you would find time to spend together as a couple such as having a special dinner or just going for a drink.
While these things may not be possible in an LDR, it is still important that you set aside time that you will spend talking to each other.
This could be something as simple as a call at the end of the day so you can both share news from your day. You never want to be in a position when you do not know when you will hear from your partner next.
Play Games Like A Normal Couple
It is not uncommon for all couples to not have much to talk about at times. This can be difficult in LDRs because you feel as you should be talking all the time to make up for the fact that you are not able to meet all that often.
One way to avoid these awkward silences is to find games that you can play together even though you are not in the same room. Games that can be played online or via social media are often good choices as there may be a chat function where you can talk as you play.
Write A Love Letter
Receiving a letter from a partner that comes in the post can be something else that can help keep an LDR alive.
It is also a physical reminder of how much your partner loves you that you can read over again whenever you are feeling lonely.
Do not just limit yourself to letters; a care package is another great way to let people know that you are thinking of them.
Plan A Romantic Trip For Two
A romantic trip away gives couples something to look forward to as they can plan all the details of their trip together.
Couples that are successful at long distance relationships take a lot of these trips, and once one is over, they are already planning the next.
These trips do not have to be expensive, even a short weekend away is still something to look forward to. One idea may be to keep a scrapbook of all the trips that have been taken as a memento to look at one day when the couple is back together all the time.
The fact that you have even considered entering into an LDR is proof that you have the commitment that it takes to make it work. It may involve you being creative, and it certainly will be frustrating at times, but you just need to remember that it will all be worth it in the long run.
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