Long-distance relationships are something a lot of people have to work through all the time. They can be smooth sailing, but they can be tough. How do you make them work?
Somebody asked us, ‘I’m about to get into a long-distance relationship - any advice on how to make it work and be bearable?’
Everybody and every experience is different, so we wanted to hear from more people.
To do that, we sent it off to our TikTok and Instagram pals and asked them to drop some wisdom.
Whatever situation they were in that meant they were trying to keep a remote relationship working smoothly, there were challenges were involved.
Real Advice From Real People in Long-Distance Relationships
- Tyler Communication is the most important thing. Be open and honest as distance can be a relationship killer. Take each day as it comes and be extra understanding. Jealousy can feel more intense during a long-distance relationship too. Make sure to have a few coping mechanisms. Worst thing for me was feeling helpless when things would get bad for my then other half.
- William I was in one for 8 months up until she came back, trust was important, knowing that time zones don’t always match up sucks, but it’s important to establish what you both want and when you’ll communicate, in person or via letters/the internet, etc. Sending gifts like Uber Eats Desserts was always cool. Be ready to miss them, but know it’ll be worth it!
- Nikita Having achievable goals helps. For example, knowing that you will see them in four months instead of being burdened with not knowing when you’ll see them next.
- Allyson Hm. Maybe try to bring up problems as they arise, don't bottle it up. And make sure to take turns starting conversations.
- Sean Remember if you ever hate the feeling of missing them bc you don't get to the see that person, remind yourself that the feeling of being with them surpasses any other, that's how I always get through long distance.
- Billy Make sure you both keep in contact regularly and compromise on days and times you could meet up when possible. Compromising is the key! And remember that if the other partner forgets to message you or responds late, do not retaliate by saying ‘Oh, why didn’t you message me when you were supposed to?’ or 'Did you go on Messenger and not think to say hi to me?’ It comes across as aggressive, and it doesn’t make things better, it can make it worse.
- Emma The hardest thing I found (being a year 11 student at the time) was keeping on top of schoolwork while balancing friends and spending time with him. We had long-distance dates where we simply just watched the same movie on tv and we Facetimed a little, but mostly chatting in phone calls, text, voice messages and Messenger. It can be tough, though.
- Anthony A long deep talk at the end of the day can be better than lots of little talks throughout the day.
Long-distance relationships can work
There are some good points there, and most point out the importance of communication.
All long-distance relationships look different.
Some couples might speak 5 times a day.
Some might speak for an hour 3 times a week.
Some might text a lot and visit each other once a month.
It’s all about finding what works for you.
You’ve also got to remember that, as painful as it might be, some relationships just can’t make the distance work.
If it's feeling like that, it might be time to consider whether it’s going to work out in the long term.
