Beyond the Miles: Ways to Thrive in a Long-Distance Relationship
No one can ever be fully prepared for the challenges of a long-distance relationship. The waiting, the trust, and the emotional balancing act it requires are no small feats. Yet, these relationships offer a unique chance to build a deeper intimacy that doesn’t rely on being physically together. Whether the distance is due to work, school, or other circumstances, one question remains: how do you keep the connection strong when all you have is a screen to bring you closer?
In these moments, it helps to remember that physical togetherness isn’t everything; what matters most is the emotional connection you nurture along the way. Love isn’t limited by miles—it’s loyalty and commitment that hold it steady, no matter the distance.
As Virgil famously put it,
Love conquers all things, so we too shall yield to love.
True love thrives on dedication, resilience, and a conscious choice to stay close, even from afar. If you’re navigating an long-distance relationship or considering one, here are some ideas to help you stay connected, grow your relationship, and create something lasting, despite the physical distance.
Treat Trust as Your Pillar
Trust is vital in any relationship, but in a long-distance setup, it becomes the bedrock. Building trust here goes beyond just “believing” in each other. Instead, it’s about actively creating a stable foundation for your relationship.
This starts with open communication and clearly defined boundaries. Be upfront about what you need, and share your life with each other, even while you’re apart. Small acts of consistency, like sending good morning texts or showing up for video calls, can help you both feel secure. Trust isn’t about grand gestures—it’s often the little, everyday acts of commitment that truly matter.
Stay Connected in Real and Consistent Ways
Texting is great for quick updates, but voice and video calls can bring a sense of closeness that texts alone can’t. Hearing each other’s voices or seeing each other’s faces helps you feel part of each other’s day, even if just for a few minutes.
Try to schedule times that work for both of you, like a morning check-in or a call before bed. And don’t worry if there isn’t always a lot to say—sometimes, simply “being there” is enough. These regular calls become comforting reminders of the connection you share, helping you stay close in a real, meaningful way.
Create Shared Experiences, Even from Afar
Finding fun ways to share experiences can make a huge difference. Whether it’s watching a show, sharing photos, or playing games together, these activities give you something to look forward to and talk about. They bring a sense of “us” into your daily life and help build memories together, even from a distance. Here are some apps to help:
- Netflix: For movie or show nights, Netflix offers endless options. Pick a series to watch together and make it a regular “date” to discuss each episode or movie. You can even use Teleparty to sync the viewing experience, complete with a chat feature for instant reactions.
- Spotify: With Spotify’s Listen Together feature (through Group Sessions), you and your partner can enjoy music in sync, listening to the same songs or playlists in real-time. Whether you’re curating playlists for each other or sharing your favorites, this feature brings you closer through music.
- Locket: Locket lets you share photos directly to each other’s home screens, so you can stay updated with little snapshots of each other’s day. These spontaneous updates help you feel connected and share moments, even in small ways.
- Discord: For a versatile all-in-one platform, Discord lets you watch movies, stream videos, and play games together. Set up a private server for just the two of you, where you can hang out, chat, or play games whenever you’re free, making it a digital “space” just for you both.
Use the Distance to Grow—Individually and Together
Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but they also give you a unique chance to grow as individuals while staying connected. Use this time to pursue your interests, learn new skills, or spend time with friends and family. When you’re both evolving as people, you bring more to the relationship and enrich each other’s lives. Knowing you’re both committed to growth can make reuniting feel even more special, as you each bring new experiences and insights to share.
Always Remember
Long-distance relationships are not an easy path, and they certainly aren’t the ideal setup for everyone. But that doesn’t mean they’re doomed to fail. There will be tough days, and it’s okay to feel frustrated or uncertain sometimes. Just remember that love isn’t only about proximity—it’s about building a bond that goes beyond circumstances.
On that note, I want to say thank you to my boyfriend, Belgian. Even with the miles between us, you make every day feel close. Here’s to us and the love that bridges the distance.
