7 Tips for Long-Distance Relationships to Last and Be Harmonious with Your Partner
Starting to worry about being separated by distance from your partner? Don't worry, long distance relationships or more popularly known as long distance relationship (LDR) are not something to be afraid of. Many couples thrive even while doing LDR. There are indeed many challenges, but it can actually make the relationship more harmonious.
If you start to feel worried or overthinking about what will happen to your relationship, throw away those negative thoughts first. The tip for LDR is the seriousness that couples can show to maintain good communication.
Although it sounds cliché, the key to a lasting relationship is communication. This is not only for couples in LDR but for all couples. If there is a communication error, conflicts will surely arise. Well, distance can indeed be one of the triggers for conflict, which is why you should pay attention to the following things.
Set Expectations
“If we’re in an LDR, we definitely can’t do this anymore…”
It's natural to start having thoughts like that when entering a long-distance relationship. However, this is something that can be communicated beforehand for a solution. For example, if you want to spend time together on weekends with your partner, but your relationship will be separated across islands. It would be wasteful to keep going back and forth.
That’s why you can start communicating this with your partner. Lower the expectations of meeting every weekend. Adjust to the situation by lowering expectations. Even if you can only meet once a month, you can really make the most of that time to dedicate it to your beloved partner, right?
Agree on Communication Times
The distance will also affect the intensity of communication. Yes, if both are working or studying, attention will surely be divided. Remember that your partner still needs to socialize where they live. So, it is indeed impossible to constantly keep in touch, especially when busy.
That’s why you need to agree on the most ideal communication times for both of you. As much as possible, make time to consistently connect. It doesn’t always have to be on the same day; you can also arrange the frequency, for example, twice a week to chat over the phone.
Not only time for communication, but you can also set times for not communicating, such as during exams. Usually, communication at inappropriate times often triggers conflicts. Therefore, it’s better to communicate with your partner at times that are comfortable for both parties.
Engage in Hobbies Together
You might have the same hobby as your partner, such as watching Korean dramas. This can be a good start to do activities together with your partner. Yes, you can ‘watch together’ the series you both like. You don’t have to use a streaming app together; you can watch at different times since the show is the same.
Usually, engaging in hobbies together can be one of the fun things to discuss during conversations. You won’t run out of enjoyable topics, so the relationship with your partner will still feel warm.
Don’t have the same hobby? No problem, you can still share with your partner about the developments in the hobbies you are pursuing. For example, if your partner enjoys playing games, share about your successes every time you level up. If you both support each other, small achievements like leveling up in a game can be a shared joy.
Another example is cooking; if there’s a new recipe that your partner successfully made, you must be eager to try it together, right? You can also give suggestions if the recipe attempted still fails so that success can be achieved together.
Reliance on Each Other
Trust is also an important aspect when you are in a relationship. Usually, trust makes partners rely on each other. This certainly leads to a positive context. For example, you will ask for opinions by always involving your partner in discussions when facing difficulties.
As the closest person who knows each other's conditions, your partner can be a great discussion buddy. When you are doing research, projects, or perhaps presenting to clients, your partner can be one of the first critics you ask for opinions.
After giving feedback, don’t forget to accompany it with suggestions and encouragement. This can make your partner feel more confident in continuing the relationship. With mutual trust, you can continue to rely on your partner for every decision. If this is done continuously, your relationship will become even more harmonious.
Give Small Surprises
Who doesn’t love surprises? In this era of convenience, this doesn’t seem like a difficult tip. The easiest way is to buy your partner's favorite food when they are busy with their activities.
Additionally, you can also buy small gifts so that your partner can be more comfortable in their activities. Some simple examples are giving items like raincoats, bag covers, or vitamins. Small things that are often forgotten by your partner can be a form of attention if you help make their activities more comfortable.
Keep Prioritizing Yourself
Communication and attention for your partner are indeed important, but don’t forget about yourself. Usually, partners who focus too much on interacting with each other often neglect themselves. There’s often a thought that, “I’m trying harder than you for our relationship.”
Well, this is a trigger for problems that can arise from self-pressure. Don’t feel pressured to prioritize the relationship with your partner. Keep building a fun relationship to avoid misunderstandings. Do things you enjoy and spread that positive energy to your partner to achieve shared goals.
Mutual Compromise
A long-distance relationship that you are about to or currently experiencing will indeed be quite challenging. Besides communication and mutual trust, you also need to compromise with your partner. You need to manage emotions and feelings to understand the situation. This can help mitigate unpleasant conflict triggers.
Many people struggle to compromise with their partners when in an LDR. When problems arise and neither party wants to agree, the relationship can become less enjoyable. In this situation, it’s not uncommon for one party to need to give in. However, the most important thing is to be willing to agree through communication.
Keeping LDR enjoyable is the main key that you should prioritize to maintain a harmonious relationship. This will create a pleasant atmosphere every time you communicate, so you won’t have negative assumptions about your partner. Additionally, you can also understand each other so that the relationship remains lasting, harmonious, and pressure-free. Hopefully, these tips can be communicated with your partner!
Author: Rizkita Darajat
