How to Connect emotionally when in a long distance relationship

Honestly, no one wants to be separated from the person they love. Long distance love is a big challenge, but not impossible. In fact, sometimes long-distance couples have stronger feelings than those who live next to each other, which is not as difficult as you think. To help you, we’ve put together a list of tips and strategies you can use to maintain and nurture your love for your partner even when you’re not together.

Table of Contents

Prioritize talking to each other often

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Talking regularly will help maintain the relationship. Maybe you and him are very busy with work and other activities, which is why it is important to make time for each other as part of your daily routine. Set aside a set time during the day to call or video each other, so you’ll both organize yourself around that time and look forward to talking. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Try to find a time that works for both of you. For example, if your partner usually leaves work at 5 p.m. and you also get a break from school around that time, take advantage of a short phone call to chat.
As life goes on, sometimes unexpected things happen that will make it impossible for you to call that person. Don’t worry too much, you just need to let the person know in advance so as not to waste time waiting.

Remind them often that they are important to you

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Let the person know you enjoy being around them. The absence of each other can make your heart soft, but it also makes you miss more. Regularly say words of love, recalling some specific things that that person does that makes your heart flutter. Regularly saying loving words also helps to remove doubts in each other’s hearts and makes the emotional bond between two people stronger. ^{[2] X Research Source}

For example, you could say, “Every time I talk to you, I feel so much more comfortable. You are the best thing in my life.”
You could also say, “You’re funny. You are my lover and also my best friend.”

Be open about your thoughts and feelings with your partner

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Open communication is important in any relationship. Whenever you talk to that person, don’t hide or withhold anything. Let them know what is going on in your life, the negative emotions and moods you are going through. They may give you encouragement or advice, or simply listen to let you vent. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If you feel like your emotional needs are not being met, have a frank talk with your partner about it. Don’t try to bury your feelings and act like nothing happened. He can help you and give you what you need.
Tell him or her about everything that’s going on in your life! Make them feel special and bridge the gap between the two of you. Tell them about your difficult boss, your goofy friend, and the crazy dreams you’ve had recently. Make them feel a part of your life.
Due to the fact that two people are far away from each other, sometimes words will become ambiguous or difficult to understand. Ask for more clarification if you’re not sure you’re understanding what the other person is saying.

Talk about even the tedious details

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These things can make you and your partner feel closer. Tell them about traffic jams, wrong coffee delivery, or cold lunches. Talk about random tidbits you read online, talk about everything that comes to mind and ask the person to do the same. Sharing your own world will make the two of you feel closer to each other. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Sure, the big events of the day sound more exciting, but the closeness is also in the small details.

Remind the two of you to be apart

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This will give you two more comfort. Whether the two of you have to be apart due to school, work, military service or any other reason, you’ve both decided it’s worth it. Whenever either of you (or both) feel sad about being apart, talk about what led to this decision and how wonderful life would be when you two are reunited. Focus on the day you get back together, that day will help you feel closer together. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, you could say, “I know you’re having a hard time right now, as long as I finish school, I’ll come back immediately and we’ll live together wherever we want.”
You can also say, “I hate being away from you, but this time will pass quickly and I’m sure the wait will be worth it.”

Arrange online dating

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Cook dinner together, watch a movie or simply spend time together. Use technology to bridge the gap between you and your partner! You can choose a recipe, video call, and put your phone or computer on the table and cook together. Pick a movie you both want to watch and start watching together while on a video call, or use an app like “Netflix Party” or “Google Watch Party” to watch together. Or simply you just need to video call and chat together. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Try to schedule an online date a few days in advance so you can work together and look forward to it.
Thanks to the video calling feature, you can try out tons of romantic ideas for a virtual date! You can play video games together, have fun together or you can throw a dance party for two.

Give each other gifts

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Give that person a souvenir to remind them of you. Gifts can help fill the gap between two people in a long distance relationship and give you something tangible from your lover to touch and hold. Find something at your local store or online that you think your partner will like. Send it to that person as a small surprise to make them happier and know that you will always miss them. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

For example, if your lover likes to collect stones or crystals, you can gift them to their collection. Every time he sees that gift, he will surely remember you.
You don’t need to choose too expensive gifts, what matters is the love you put in them. A meaningful gift will help two people bond closer together.

Surprise him with a love letter

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Show that you care and want them in your life. Love letters may sound cheesy, but cheesy is fun! Write to express your love and care to that person. Send them by mail and don’t say anything in advance. They will love this surprise and will probably write and send it back to you. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Advice

Always look forward to the day you two can get back together. When things get tough, this reminder will come in handy.
Try to travel together. Getting out of the usual living space together and going out to the experience will be very interesting.

Steps