What Are the Best Tips for Long-Distance Relationships? Here’s our suggestion for how to Keep the Romance Alive
Entering a long-distance relationship often feels like an emotional whirlwind - anxiety, worry, sadness, excitement. Whether you’re beginning your relationship long-distance or transitioning into it, the experience can be a major adjustment.
You might feel sadness from not having your partner(s) physically close, worry that distance could create disconnection, or excitement about planning visits and building new traditions. Many people also find loyalty to be a unique strength of long-distance relationships: knowing your partner(s) choose you not because you’re nearby, but because the relationship truly matters.
These emotions are both valid and incredibly common. The good news is, there are practical ways to make a long-distance relationship work while also growing as individuals and partners.
How Do You Set Expectations in a Long-Distance Relationship?
Talk openly with your partner(s) about:
How often you’ll communicate
What type of communication feels best (text, call, video, etc.)
How you’ll plan visits
What goals you’re both anticipating during this season
Clear expectations and boundaries create a sense of control in what can otherwise feel like an uncertain situation.
Why Is Communication So Important in Long-Distance Relationships?
As you and your partner(s) settle into new routines, consistent communication becomes essential. Prioritizing daily check-ins, whether a short text, call, or video chat, provides stability and reassurance when other things may feel uncertain.
How Can You Build Trust From Afar?
Long-distance often stirs feelings of anxiety, worry, or insecurity. Instead of keeping those feelings inside, share them openly. Being upfront strengthens trust and prevents fears from turning into assumptions or resentment.
What Are Fun Things to Do Together in a Long-Distance Relationship?
Connection doesn’t have to stop when you’re apart. Try:
Reading the same book or listening to the same podcast
Watching a movie at the same time
Sharing photos from your day
Playing an online game together
Small shared activities help create intimacy and keep the relationship exciting.
How Do You Take Care of Yourself in a Long-Distance Relationship?
Beyond nurturing your connection, long-distance relationships can also be an opportunity for personal growth.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to learn or gain from this experience?
How can I pursue my own goals, friendships, and passions?
How do I feel most loved, and how can those needs be met in new ways?
Understanding your own love languages—and those of your partner(s)—can help you create connection even when physical touch isn’t an option.
Can Long-Distance Relationships Really Work?
The transition into long distance can feel overwhelming at first, but many couples not only adjust, they thrive. With clear communication, honesty, and creativity, long-distance relationships can deepen intimacy and strengthen bonds.
If you’re preparing for or currently navigating a long-distance relationship and want extra support, you don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to our Client Care Coordinator at Root to Rise Therapy to get matched with a caring therapist who can walk alongside you on this journey.
Warmly,
Monica Deyski, AMFT
